A new defensive layer between ground systems and fighter aircraft
Waves of inexpensive one-way attack drones are placing growing pressure on air-defense networks. Aircraft such as the F-15, F-16 and F-35 can engage these systems, but repeatedly pairing high-value fighters and costly air-to-air missiles against far cheaper targets is difficult to sustain over time.
Ground-based counter-unmanned aircraft systems, or c-UAS, offer another option through kinetic and non-kinetic defeat mechanisms. However, their engagement range limits how far from a defended asset they can begin reducing an incoming swarm. Large attacks can also overwhelm these systems and rapidly deplete their ammunition supplies.
Against this backdrop, Embraer is adapting the A-29 Super Tucano light-attack aircraft for drone-interception missions at greater distances from bases, infrastructure and other protected assets. The aircraft would provide an intermediate layer between ground-based point defense and high-performance fighter aircraft.
The A-29 could thin swarms before they reach their objective
Embraer’s concept places the A-29 in the outer zone of a layered defensive architecture. The aircraft would use precision rockets adapted for aerial targets, internal .50-caliber guns and an electro-optical/infrared sensor integrated with the aircraft’s weapons system.
In the case of Guam’s defense, company representatives have described a possible operating area extending roughly 50–200 miles from the defended asset, or approximately 80–320 kilometers. Fixed ground defenses would then assume responsibility for the inner zone, extending inward from about 50 miles.
“Point defenses are important, but you also need defenders operating beyond them to reduce the size of the swarm before it enters the engagement range,” said Marc Ayala, Embraer’s vice president for defense sales in North America.
Demonstration program will test the concept
Embraer is already working with an undisclosed country on a proof-of-concept demonstration. The tests will use A-29 aircraft and actual drones as targets.
The objective is to validate the operational concept and refine the interaction between operators, pilots and the aircraft’s systems. The human-machine interface is a central element because mission effectiveness depends not only on the weapon, but also on the speed and accuracy of data transmission.
“Find, fix and finish”
The A-29 is not intended to search hundreds of miles of airspace autonomously for small, low-flying drones. Instead, a ground-based air-defense radar or another external source would detect the incoming swarm and transmit its location to the aircraft over a datalink.
Once vectored into the area, the A-29 would use the L3Harris WESCAM MX-15D electro-optical/infrared system to identify and track individual drones. The sensor includes moving-target-indicator functions and advanced video-tracking capabilities that help generate a firing solution.
According to Embraer, A-29 aircraft already equipped with the MX-15D would require only a software upgrade for the c-UAS configuration. Aircraft without an electro-optical/infrared sensor would need to be fitted with one.
APKWS rockets and internal guns expand engagement capacity
The primary weapon option is the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, or APKWS-equipped rocket.
The A-29 also carries .50-caliber machine guns integrated into its wings rather than mounted in external pods. This leaves the aircraft’s hardpoints available for rocket launchers while retaining its internal gun ammunition.
If rockets miss or are expended, the guns can be used against additional drones. The configuration therefore increases the number of targets a single aircraft can engage during a mission.
The key advantage: arrive quickly, then slow down
The cost gap between a Shahed-type drone and an air-to-air missile, combined with the operating cost of a fighter aircraft, is one of the main reasons behind Embraer’s proposal.
There is also an operational challenge. A Shahed travels at approximately 115 miles per hour, while an F-16 typically moves several times faster during an intercept. The pilot may need to visually acquire the drone, identify it, fire and maneuver to avoid a collision. The large speed differential can reduce the engagement window to only a few seconds.
The A-29 operates in a flight regime better suited to such targets. It can reach the swarm in a reasonable amount of time, then slow down, position itself behind the formation and engage multiple drones before making another pass.
“You have to get there fast and then attack slow,” Ayala said. In his assessment, the A-29 can provide several seconds for each engagement, compared with one or two seconds for high-speed fighter aircraft. Its lower speed also reduces the risk of colliding with the intercepted drones.
An attractive option for existing A-29 operators
Countries already using the A-29 for light attack, close air support, reconnaissance, border surveillance or advanced training could adopt the new mission more easily.
According to the company, the transition for pilots from attacking ground targets to engaging airborne drones would be relatively straightforward. The A-29 can operate from unprepared runways and requires less support infrastructure than high-performance fighter aircraft.
Interest in the aircraft is also growing among NATO allies seeking to strengthen their defenses against drones.
The Florida production line could support the program
In the United States, three A-29 aircraft remain in the Air Force inventory and are operated by the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. They could potentially be used to evaluate the airborne counter-UAS concept.
Embraer also operates an A-29 production line in Jacksonville, Florida. The aircraft incorporates substantial US content and relies on an extensive network of American suppliers.
The company argues that the counter-UAS mission fits both the A-29’s operational profile and the interests of the US industrial base. By incorporating the aircraft into a layered defense architecture, Embraer aims to provide a more sustainable alternative to relying exclusively on fighter aircraft and expensive missiles to defeat incoming attack drones.
