Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer announced on 24 April 2023 that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a number of Portuguese aerospace companies.
The signing of the MoU took place during a visit to Portugal by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at an event also attended by Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa.
The Portuguese signatories to the MoU were Centro de Engenharia e Desenvolvimento de Produto (CEiiA), Empordef Tecnologias de Informação (ETI), GMVIS Skysoft (GMV) and OGMA.
“I’m very pleased to celebrate a new phase in the relationship between Embraer and the Portuguese State through the defence industry of Portugal, which is a reference for us in co-operation in aerospace and defence projects,” Embraer quoted its President and CEO, Francisco Gomes Neto, as saying in a press release. “The results of the C-390 Millennium [airlifter] strategic partnership have shown the potential that companies and governments of the two countries, working together, can achieve,” he added.
The main goal of the MoU is the development of the technological and defence-industrial base of Portugal, reinforcing its capacity to develop engineering, research, and development activities and Embraer’s role in making that happen.
A key aspect covered by the MoU is the potential strategic relationship for the development and systems integration of Embraer’s recently launched A-29N version of the Super Tucano turboprop trainer/light attack aircraft, which is intended to address the needs of NATO member states. This includes research, technological development, and innovation, with the aim being to expand and increase long-term commercial relations between companies during the development, production, and operation/support phases of the A-29N programme.
“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,” Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, was quoted as saying. “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 great success in the international market.”
Peter Felstead
