Government of Paraguay signs loan agreement with Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) to finalize A-29 Super Tucano purchase
November 20, 2024
Paraguay’s President, Santiago Peña, signed the loan with the National Bank for Economic and Social Development of Brazil (BNDES) to finalize the purchase of six Embraer A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft. The loan is detailed in Presidential decree No. 2879, and includes co-ordination between the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Economy and Finance to ensure the proper management of resources.
Peña said that: “After decades, Paraguay will regain control of its airspace. I have authorized the signing of the loan contract for the acquisition of aircraft with cutting-edge technology, essential to strengthen our air defence and firmly confront narcoterrorism. This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to national security and sovereignty. We will not give up in this fight; we will face every challenge with all our strength and determination.”
The original contract was signed by the Paraguayan state through the Air Force with Embraer on 26 July. It includes the acquisition of six new A-29 Super Tucanos with mission planning equipment and a training package for eight pilots and 12 mechanics, logistics support for one year, maintenance equipment and tools and the provision of a technical representative from Embraer for one year. Delivery of the Super Tucanos was expected in May 2025. They will have the serial numbers 1101-1106.
Paraguay will then have 12 combat aircraft , because the deal will also see the ‘revitalization’ of six older AT-27 Tucano aircraft, originally acquired in 1987. This will complete the modernization of the Paraguayan Air Force fleet.
