Paraguay Purchases Six Brazilian A-29 Super Tucano Light Attack Aircraft.

According to a publication from the X Account SA Defensa on July 20, 2024, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña has officially signed an agreement for the purchase of six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for the Paraguayan Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Paraguaya). The deal, valued at approximately $96.6 million USD, will be financed through a loan from the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES).
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The A-29 Super Tucano is a versatile light attack and advanced trainer aircraft developed by Embraer, used for missions like counterinsurgency and close air support. (Picture source: Brazilian Air Force)

The A-29 Super Tucano is a versatile light attack aircraft and advanced trainer developed and produced by the Brazilian aerospace company Embraer. Known for its durability and ability to operate in challenging environments, the A-29 is used for a variety of missions, including counterinsurgency, close air support, and reconnaissance. The acquisition aims to bolster Paraguay's air defense capabilities and enhance its operational readiness.

The Brazilian BNDES loan will cover the entire cost of the aircraft, underscoring the strong bilateral relations between Paraguay and Brazil. This purchase marks a notable advancement in Paraguay's defense modernization efforts, with the A-29 Super Tucanos expected to be operational in the near future.

The Paraguayan Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Paraguaya), tasked with the defense of the nation's airspace, has been undergoing a gradual process of modernization to enhance its operational capabilities. Despite budgetary constraints, the air force maintains a diverse fleet of aircraft to fulfill various roles, including surveillance, transport, training, and combat operations.

The combat-capable aircraft fleet includes six operational units, providing the backbone for the air force's defensive and offensive missions.

For transport, the air force operates a varied fleet of light transport aircraft, including one Beech 58 Baron, four C-212-200 Aviocars, one C-212-400 Aviocar, two Cessna 208B Grand Caravans, one Cessna 210 Centurion, one Cessna 310, two Cessna 402Bs, two Cessna U206 Stationairs, one DHC-6 Twin Otter, one PA-32R Saratoga (EMB-721C Sertanejo), and two PZL-104 Wilga 80s.

For training purposes, the fleet includes six EMB-312 Tucano aircraft, which serve both as trainers and light attack aircraft, six T-25 Universal, six T-35A Pillan, and three T-35B Pillan.

The helicopter fleet comprises twelve light transport units, including three AS350 Ecureuil (HB350 Esquilo), seven Bell 205 (UH-1H Iroquois), one Bell 407, and one Bell 427 (VIP).

In recent years, the Paraguayan Air Force has focused on updating its fleet to improve operational readiness and effectiveness. The recent purchase of six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, a modern light attack and training aircraft, represents a significant step forward in this modernization drive. The A-29 Super Tucano will enhance the air force’s capabilities in counterinsurgency, surveillance, and close air support missions.

Despite these advancements, the Paraguayan Air Force faces several challenges, including limited funding and the need to replace aging aircraft. Continued investment in modern equipment and training is essential to maintaining and enhancing the Paraguay Air force’s operational capabilities.