A-29 equipped with Gunslinger offers low-cost solution to counter attack drones

Militaries worldwide have invested enormous resources against disruptive and persistent unmanned threats by tasking high-end platforms, such as mainstream fighter jets, to counter drones at a high cost per mission. A partnership between aircraft manufacturer Embraer and Valkyrie Aero may have a solution to the UAS threat.

Embraer and Valkyrie Aero are partnering to bring cutting-edge, Artificial Intelligence (AI)‑enabled Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities to the A-29 Super Tucano through Valkyrie’s Gunslinger.

Valkyrie’s proprietary Gunslinger AI suite enables real-time, enhanced C-UAS tactical decision making on the battlefield, supporting the Find, Fix, Finish of unmanned threats. The Gunslinger is built for the evolving UAS threat landscape, ensuring an enduring and scalable solution. The system further enhances the A-29 C-UAS capabilities that currently rely on existing, integrated sensors.

The A-29 equipped with Gunslinger offers extremely effective and low-cost counter-drone capabilities, leveraging the Super Tucano’s advanced tandem cockpit, extended loiter time, and agility. Its ability to safely match the speed of one-way attack drones creates a stable, precise engagement platform for guns, guided rockets, and other effectors.

“We are proud to partner with Valkyrie to further enhance the A-29 C-UAS mission capabilities,” said Marcio Monteiro, Market Intelligence vice-president of Embraer Defense & Security. “With over 60,000 combat flight hours, the A-29 Super Tucano is the gold standard for light attack globally, and the ideal platform for manned C-UAS operations.”

“Valkyrie is excited to partner with Embraer to deliver Gunslinger on the A-29 platform for customers worldwide,” said Chris Turner, senior vice president, Corporate Strategy of Valkyrie Aero. “Gunslinger is born from the immediate needs of the frontline warfighter, whom Valkyrie trains and engages with every day,”