Counter-drone defence with AI: Valkyrie Aero upgrades Embraer A-29 Super Tucano with Gunslinger

AI-supported counter-drone capabilities – counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) – are to enhance the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano in future. This is the joint plan of Embraer from Brazil and the US company Valkyrie Aero.

Gunslinger, the AI suite developed in-house by Valkyrie, improves tactical counter-drone decisions on the battlefield in real time, helping to detect, locate and engage unmanned threats. The software is tailored to the evolving drone threat and is intended to be a lasting, scalable solution. So far, the A-29's C-UAS capabilities have relied on existing integrated sensors – Valkyrie Aero's Gunslinger expands the A-29's counter-drone capabilities.

Super Tucano as a counter-drone platform

According to Embraer, the A-29 with Gunslinger offers highly effective and cost-efficient capabilities against drones. These draw on the Super Tucano's advanced tandem cockpit, its extended endurance and its manoeuvrability. Because the aircraft can safely match the speed of individually flying attack drones, it provides a stable, precise platform for guns, guided rockets and other effectors.

We are proud to work with Valkyrie to further enhance the A-29's capabilities in the field of unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS)— Marcio Monteiro, Vice President of Market Intelligence at Embraer Defense & Security