Embraer signs MoU to expand defense partnerships in Portugal
Embraer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the companies Center for Engineering and Product Development (CEiiA), Empordef Tecnologias de Informação, S.A. (ETI), GMVIS Skysoft, S.A. (GMV) and OGMA S.A on Monday.
The agreement takes place during the visit of the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, to the country, and encompasses the expansion of development, engineering and research activities in the defense segment in Portugal.
The main product is the A-29N Super Tucano, a close air support aircraft that will be adapted to meet NATO requirements.
The manufacturer, however, was not categorical when stating that the A-29N will be assembled in Portugal. "This includes research, technological development, and innovation, with the aim to expand and increase long-term commercial relations between companies during the development, production, and support phases of the operation of the A-29N aircraft," said Embraer in a statement.
“Today, with the signing of this memorandum, we take another important step in the continuous development of technologies related to the A-29 Super Tucano. The interest of NATO countries in this aircraft led Embraer to announce, recently, the launch of a new version, the A-29N, which, we are sure, will achieve a great success in the international market,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security.
The EMB-314 Super Tucano has won numerous customers since it was launched as an improved version of the EMB-312 Tucano for training.
However, so far there is no European operator of the aircraft. Portugal is even quoted to be the model's first customer, as it recently approved funds for ordering a close air support aircraft.
The Portuguese aerospace industry has a significant share in the aircraft produced by Embraer. The KC-390 airlifter, for example, has several of its components manufactured in Portugal.
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