A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler fires flares during an Operation Inherent Resolve mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 24, 2024. The Growlers are part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and are deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the CENTCOM AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gerald R. Willis)

A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler flies during an Operation Inherent Resolve mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 24, 2024. The Growlers, part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, support CENTCOM operations across the Middle East. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gerald R. Willis)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle returns to combat patrols after being refueled over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Dec. 26, 2024. The F-15E Strike Eagle provides the capability to counter violent extremist organizations within the CENTCOM AOR through its agile use of air-to-ground weapons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Willis)

A U.S. Air Force RC-135V/W Rivet Joint flies a routine mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Dec. 30, 2024. The Rivet Joint provides timely and accurate intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance of target forces to support coalition operations, enabling decision makers at various levels to take informed action. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jackson Manske)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 5, 2025) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, prepares for launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 4, 2025) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

São José dos Campos, Brazil, December 31st, 2024 – Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMB3) signed today a contract for the sale of four A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced trainer aircraft to an undisclosed customer in Africa. These aircraft will perform a wide spectrum of missions such as border surveillance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, counterinsurgency, and advanced flight training.

“The A-29 Super Tucano is an extremely versatile aircraft that is able to carry out the most challenging missions under the most demanding conditions. It is the world leader in its category as it combines a combat-proven track record with advanced technology,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

As a multi-mission aircraft, the A-29 Super Tucano provides great versatility for armed reconnaissance, close air support, light attack, and advanced training missions on a single platform, which exponentially increases the aircraft's availability and operational flexibility. Its robust airframe is capable of operating from unpaved runways in harsh environments. The A-29 Super Tucano is the global leader in its category, with over 290 orders and more than 570,000 flight hours, with 60,000 of those in combat. In 2024, Embraer announced new sales of the Super Tucano to the Portuguese Air Force (A-29N), the Uruguayan Air Force and the Paraguayan Air Force.

For air forces seeking a proven, comprehensive, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution on a single platform, coupled with great operational flexibility, the A-29 Super Tucano offers a wide range of missions such as close air support, air patrol, special operations, air interdiction, JTAC, forward air controller (FAC), air and tactical coordinator (TAC), armed ISR, border surveillance, reconnaissance, air escort, basic, operational and advanced training, transition to air superiority fighters, JTAC/LIFT and FAC training.

The A-29 Super Tucano is the most effective multi-mission aircraft in its category, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for precise target identification, weapons systems, and a comprehensive communications suite. Its capability is further enhanced by advanced human-machine interface avionic systems integrated into a robust airframe capable of operating from unpaved runways in austere environments and without infrastructure. Furthermore, the aircraft has a simple maintenance concept, which offers high levels of reliability, availability, and structural integrity with low life cycle costs.

23 December 2024

The leaders of Eurofighter and NETMA (the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) today signed the contract for up to 24 Italian Air Force Eurofighters in Rome.

The announcement comes at a strategically important time for the Eurofighter programme and follows the contract signing last Friday (20 December) for 25 Eurofighters for the Spanish Air Force.

The new Italian Eurofighter Typhoon jets will replace Italian Tranche 1 versions that are currently in service.

Giancarlo Mezzanatto, Chief Executive of Eurofighter, said: “Italy’s decision to purchase an additional 24 jets is, of course, fantastic news for our programme, further demonstrating the strength and importance that Eurofighter Typhoon brings to Europe.

“During this past seven days we have seen two of the four Eurofighter Core Nations sign new contract orders, with a clear desire to modernise their Air Forces and confirming the crucial role they attribute to our aircraft.”

Stefano Pontecorvo, Chairman of Leonardo, said: “The level of technology delivered by the Eurofighter programme over years is unquestionable. Its success provides also evidence of the outstanding synergies between the industry and institutions.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built together and we’re committed to providing our contribution to make sure Italy and all other partner nations continue to receive the level of capability they deserve.”

Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, commented: “This contract is a major milestone for the Eurofighter programme in Italy.

“Since its inception, it has played a crucial role for national defence and security as well as in the development of advanced technologies and employment of thousands of skilled professionals. With this latest order the programme will deliver even greater capabilities and economic returns for many years.”

AVM Simon Ellard (ret.), General Manager, NETMA said: “The additional 24 aircraft for Italy is yet another proud moment for the Eurofighter Programme.

“The order will enhance the Italian Air Force’s combat air capabilities and provide security for Italy, Europe and the NATO Alliance.

“The order, which follows the contract for 25 additional jets for the Spanish Air Force signed on the 20th of December, demonstrates that the Eurofighter Typhoon continues to be the backbone of European air defence.”

As with the new Halcon II Spanish order from last week, the new Italian Eurofighters will be equipped with advanced avionics, enhanced weapon systems capable of operating Brimstone III and Meteor, new sensors and improved connectivity.

With a service life well beyond 2060, its technical capabilities will allow full integration into the Europe's future air combat environment.

Fleet Air Arm and RAF pilots at the cutting edge of F-35 Lightning combat tested their mettle against the best fliers and latest tech in skies near LA.
Personnel and jets from 17 Test and Evaluation Squadron – who develop new tactics and push the boundaries of what the UK’s sole fifth-generation jet fighter can do – took part in Exercise Gray Flag alongside American, Canadian and Australian aviators… and drone tech.
(Photo courtesy of the RN)

A U.S. Air Force pilot from the 85th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) and an Airman from the 47th Medical Group (MDG) wave to the camera as they taxi towards the runway at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 23, 2024. Airmen from the 47th MDG took part in immersion flights with the 85th FTS in T-6A Texan IIs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Larsen)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, taxis on the flight line at the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Dec. 17, 2024. The F-16 returned from a routine training mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Halley Clark)

A NATO E-3 Sentry approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, over Poland, Dec. 19, 2024. The KC-135 enabled the E-3 to maintain extended airborne endurance, providing uninterrupted radar coverage and seamless command and control capabilities critical to mission success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jesenia Landaverde)