Super Tucanos for Panama
April 11, 2025
These aircraft represent a significant leap in capabilities for Panama, which has not previously operated combat aircraft. The last fixed wing training aircraft used in Panama was the Enaer T-35 Pillan, ten of which were delivered in the late 1980s. But the US invaded Panama in December 1989, in order to maintain the security of the Panama Canal, and to topple General Noriega and restore democracy. In the wake of the invasion, the Panamanian Defence Forces, including the air force, were disbanded. The air arm subsequently became part of the public forces under the Ministerio de Gobierno y Justicia, along with the national police, and the coast guard.
All Panamanian military aircraft are today flown by the Servicio Aeronaval Nacional (National Naval Air Service, SENAN), operating from the former Howard Air Force Base at Balboa. Some expect an air force to reform to operate the new aircraft.
Panama’s government has said that the Super Tucanos will be used to combat drug trafficking and illegal fishing, as well as for border patrol, surveillance, special operations, and pilot training, and are part of a wider programme to enhance the country’s security capabilities.
Panama is the third Latin American country that has ordered the Super Tucano in the last few months, following recent orders from Uruguay and Paraguay. Eight Latin American countries now operate the type, of 20 operators globally.
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security said that: “It is an honour for Embraer to have its aircraft selected by the Panamanian National Air and Naval Service and Ministry of Public Security. The Super Tucano is a world leader in its category and will certainly be able to leverage the surveillance, reconnaissance and protection capabilities of Panamanian territory. Embraer is a strong ally in supporting Panama’s mission to maintain national sovereignty and ensure that its society has its natural wealth and rights preserved.”
