Latvia considers A-29 Super Tucano for drone-interception role

Latvia's Air Force is examining whether to procure light combat aircraft capable of intercepting drones, with the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano identified as one candidate platform, according to the service's outgoing commander, Colonel Viesturs Masulis.

Masulis said he discussed the potential acquisition of light combat and training aircraft with defense industry representatives at the Global Air and Space Chiefs' Conference in London in mid-July 2026, according to a report on the Latvian defense ministry's news portal. He said the Air Force had been tasked by the National Armed Forces Joint Staff with identifying the most effective solutions, and that manufacturers had already been contacted for information. Latvia is now awaiting financial and delivery estimates from industry before a detailed analysis and possible course of action is prepared.

Masulis characterized the acquisition as a genuine option but stressed that any aviation-based solution would require significant funding. Latvia's government has committed more than €1 billion to strengthening air defense, building on an additional €200 million allocated annually between 2023 and 2027, though this funding covers air defense procurement broadly and has not been specifically earmarked for aircraft.

Masulis, who is being succeeded by Colonel Edmunds Svenčs, said he would advise his successor to prioritize use of the aircraft type as an airborne air-defense asset against slow-moving targets and drones, while noting it could also support Latvia's Land Forces in other capacities.