Embraer Delivers First Upgraded A-4 Skyhawk to Brazilian Navy
New lease of life for venerable combat jet that fits on country’s sole aircraft carrier
Officials from Embraer and the Brazilian Navy line up in front of the first modernized A-4 Skyhawk during delivery ceremony.
Officials from Embraer and the Brazilian Navy line up in front of the first modernized A-4 Skyhawk during delivery ceremony.

In a ceremony at Gavião Peixoto on May 26, Embraer Defense and Security delivered the first of 12 A-4 Skyhawk combat jets that it is modernizing for the Brazilian Navy. Originally built by McDonnell Douglas, and nicknamed ‘the Scooter,’ the Skyhawk is designated AF-1 by the Brazilians. Embraer will upgrade nine AF-1 single-seaters and three AF-1A two-seaters to the AF-1B configuration for service on the Navy’s aircraft carrier, the NAe Sao Paulo.