The Brazilian Air Force advanced its A-29 Super Tucano modernization program in 2025, conducting flight tests to validate the replacement of the Bendix/King KLN90B navigation system with the Garmin GPS 175 in aircraft from Boa Vista Air Base (RR) and Porto Velho Air Base (RO).
The upgrade integrates the new navigation system with the A-29’s avionics suite and cockpit displays, while also incorporating Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatibility and Area Navigation (RNAV) capability. The changes substantially improve the Super Tucano’s effectiveness in night missions and low-visibility conditions — increasingly relevant for border patrol operations in the Amazon basin.
The FAB operates a fleet of 68 A-29s employed in light attack, advanced training, irregular aircraft interception and border surveillance missions. A comprehensive Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program is in development, with feasibility studies contracted from Embraer.
The Super Tucano fleet is one of the FAB’s largest combat aircraft programs by number of units and provides a sustained military presence across the Amazon, Northeast and Center-West regions of Brazil.
