Brazilian Air Force receives 5th upgraded Embraer E-99M AEW&C aircraft.

According to a tweet posted by SA Defensa on November 24, Embraer delivered the fifth and last upgraded E-99M AEW&C aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force. The aircraft, registered FAB6704, is one of the key aircraft of the Brazilian Air Force, allowing for airborne strategic communication and intelligence gathering.

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Fifth and last upgraded Embraer E-99 AEW&C delivered to the Brazilian Air Force (Picture source: Embraer via Twitter account of SA Defensa)

The Embraer R-99 is an aircraft designated for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). It is based on the EMB-145-RS airframe and has various models designed for specific mission roles. These include the E99 for airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) missions, the R-99 for remote sensing, and the P-99 for maritime patrol.

Development of the R-99 started in the 1990s to fulfill the FAB's need for an AEW&C platform and for potential export. The airframe is derived from the ERJ 145 civil regional jet, with specialized mission equipment added to match the desired mission role. Typically, it is powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce AE1 3007 turbofan engines, providing 20% more thrust than the civil version. The R-99 made its maiden flight in 1999 and became operational in the FAB two years later.

Export customers for this aircraft include the Hellenic Air Force, the Mexican Air Force, and the Indian Air Force. Some customers choose to purchase the airframe and then equip it with their own electronic packages.

During the 2010s, the FAB decided to modernize its R-99 fleet, extending its service life and enhancing its capabilities, including a longer effective radar range and datalink facilities. Embraer has also proposed new variants, like the armed P-99 for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), which can use both torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.

Fifth and last upgraded Embraer E-99 AEW&C delivered to the Brazilian Air Force (Picture source: Embraer via Twitter account of SA Defensa)