Embraer Defense & Security has delivered the first modernised A-1 (A-1M) fighter jet to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) at its industrial plant in Gavião Peixoto, in outstate São Paulo. The event was attended by the Aeronautics Commander, Air Force General Juniti Saito, and officers from the FAB’s High Command. The A-1M programme provides for refurbishing and modernising 43 subsonic AMX jets, 16 of which are already at the company’s facilities.

The A-1M jet has the capability of performing air-to-ground attack, bombing, tactical air support and reconnaissance missions. The modernised FAB airplanes will receive new systems for navigation, weaponry, oxygen generation, multimode radar, and electronic countermeasures. This equipment, along with structural refurbishment, will allow these jets to continue operating until 2025.

According to the Embraer modernisation programme, the A-1Ms will receive systems that are similar to those that are also found on the F-5Ms and the A-29 Super Tucanos belonging to the FAB. This will assist with the adaptation period of the pilots and provides standardisation with numerous operational advantages, such as improved fleet management policy, better output in terms of flight hours, and reduced maintenance and operating costs.

“The delivery of the first A-1M marks another special moment in the long and successful history of relations between the FAB and Embraer,” said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President of Embraer Defense & Security. “This aircraft will be very useful for maintaining the operational capability of the Brazilian Air Force.”