Breaking News: Panama officially purchases first-ever combat-capable aircraft from Brazil following US new policy change
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On September 4, 2025, the Brazilian company Embraer confirmed the signing of a contract with the government of Panama for four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. The aircraft will be operated by the Servicio Nacional Aeronaval (SENAN) as Panama’s first fixed-wing platform with combat capabilities, intended for aerial patrol, surveillance, and protection missions.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Panama’s authorities frame the decision within the country’s demilitarized security model that has been in place since 1989, noting that SENAN is a civil security agency rather than a military force and stating that the aircraft will not be used for offensive operations. (Picture source: Brazilian Air Force)
The deal forms part of a broader $197 million procurement package that also includes two Airbus C-295 transport aircraft, with the Super Tucanos valued at over $78 million and the C-295s exceeding $109 million. This marks the first time since the disbandment of the Panamanian military in 1989 that the country has introduced combat-capable aircraft into service. With the contract, Panama becomes the eighth Latin American nation to operate the Super Tucano, joining Brazil (which will upgrade 68 units to the A-29M standard), Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, and the Dominican Republic.
The decision is framed by officials as part of a modernization program to replace 14 aircraft from the 1980s, whose annual maintenance costs are estimated at $10 million, and to strengthen SENAN’s role in addressing illicit activities. The government highlights that SENAN is a security and emergency response agency rather than a military force, and that Panama remains committed to its demilitarized security policy. Financing of the purchase was authorized through an exceptional process, with most funding expected to come from external sources, although the final structure has not yet been confirmed. Government representatives insist that the aircraft will not be used for offensive purposes and that their deployment will focus on surveillance, reconnaissance, border monitoring, search and rescue, and disaster response missions. Despite these assurances, the decision has been criticized domestically, with opponents arguing that resources should instead be allocated to healthcare and education and questioning whether the acquisition indicates a shift away from Panama’s post-1989 demilitarization.
But the political context for the acquisition includes rising tensions with the United States in December 2024, when U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to reassert U.S. control over the Panama Canal, citing high tolls and potential Chinese influence. The Panamanian government rejected those assertions, reaffirmed sovereignty, and faced domestic protests that highlighted the sensitivity of the canal issue. Analysts suggest that these developments may have influenced Panama’s decision to strengthen its aerial security capabilities. The acquisition of the Super Tucanos is therefore interpreted by some as both a modernization effort and a strategic measure to reinforce Panama’s ability to assert control over critical national infrastructure. The government continues to emphasize that the aircraft are dedicated to non-offensive missions and to maintaining Panama’s security structure without reintroducing a military force.
The A-29 Super Tucano is a light attack and reconnaissance aircraft developed by Embraer as an advanced derivative of the EMB-312 Tucano trainer. It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C engine producing 1,600 horsepower, allowing for a maximum speed of 590 kilometers per hour, an endurance of up to eight hours, and a combat range of approximately 550 kilometers. It can operate from austere and unprepared airstrips thanks to reinforced landing gear, increasing its flexibility for remote operations. The airframe is built with Kevlar protection around the cockpit and engine, while the standard armament includes two FN Herstal M3P .50 caliber machine guns with 200 rounds per gun. The aircraft is compatible with night vision goggles and equipped with a forward-looking infrared sensor for night or low-visibility missions. Its avionics suite integrates a mission computer, targeting pods, a laser rangefinder, and electronic countermeasure systems for radar and missile defense.
The A-29 can be fitted with up to five external hardpoints, enabling the carriage of unguided bombs such as the Mk 81 and Mk 82, precision-guided munitions including Paveway II and JDAM, rocket pods, and air-to-air missiles like the MAA-1 Piranha. For close air support missions, it can be equipped with a Giat NC621 20 mm cannon pod. These capabilities allow the aircraft to perform surveillance, reconnaissance, training, interdiction, and tactical coordination. Designed for long service life, with an operational fatigue span of 8,000 to 12,000 flight hours, it is considered suitable for countries with limited logistical capacity. Globally, more than 290 Super Tucanos have been ordered, with over 580,000 flight hours logged in operations ranging from counter-narcotics missions in Colombia to counterinsurgency campaigns in Afghanistan. A NATO-compatible variant, the A-29N, has also been developed, incorporating advanced communications and options for single-pilot operation.
Panama’s broader procurement also includes two C-295 aircraft, restoring a medium transport capability not available since the early 1990s when its sole CN-235 was sold. The C-295s are intended for logistics, maritime surveillance, aerial firefighting, and humanitarian operations, complementing the Super Tucanos’ patrol and interdiction roles. SENAN’s current fleet includes Cessna 208B Grand Caravans, Piper PA-34 Senecas, Airbus C-212 Aviocars, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, MD-500 helicopters, Bell 412 helicopters, a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, and Enaer T-35C Pillán trainers, none of which are combat-capable. The integration of both the A-29s and the C-295s is expected to expand operational flexibility for border control and emergency response. While critics point to the risks of escalating Panama’s traditionally civilian security policy, government officials argue that the acquisitions are required to maintain operational readiness and sovereignty amid increasing unauthorized flights and organized crime activities in Panamanian airspace.
The contract also carries symbolic significance by positioning Panama within a group of Latin American states that rely on multi-role turboprop aircraft for both security and training. Social organizations continue to voice concern over the financial burden of the deal, particularly since detailed financing structures have not been made public, but government officials emphasize that external funding will mitigate domestic costs. For Embraer, Panama’s selection strengthens the Super Tucano’s footprint in the region, where Paraguay and Uruguay also placed new orders in 2024. The Panamanian government maintains that the procurement is designed to support national surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-trafficking operations. The introduction of combat-capable aircraft after more than three decades of demilitarization highlights the balance Panama seeks to strike between maintaining civilian security institutions and ensuring the protection of its sovereignty and critical national assets.
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On September 4, 2025, the Brazilian company Embraer confirmed the signing of a contract with the government of Panama for four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. The aircraft will be operated by the Servicio Nacional Aeronaval (SENAN) as Panama’s first fixed-wing platform with combat capabilities, intended for aerial patrol, surveillance, and protection missions.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Panama’s authorities frame the decision within the country’s demilitarized security model that has been in place since 1989, noting that SENAN is a civil security agency rather than a military force and stating that the aircraft will not be used for offensive operations. (Picture source: Brazilian Air Force)
The deal forms part of a broader $197 million procurement package that also includes two Airbus C-295 transport aircraft, with the Super Tucanos valued at over $78 million and the C-295s exceeding $109 million. This marks the first time since the disbandment of the Panamanian military in 1989 that the country has introduced combat-capable aircraft into service. With the contract, Panama becomes the eighth Latin American nation to operate the Super Tucano, joining Brazil (which will upgrade 68 units to the A-29M standard), Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, and the Dominican Republic.
The decision is framed by officials as part of a modernization program to replace 14 aircraft from the 1980s, whose annual maintenance costs are estimated at $10 million, and to strengthen SENAN’s role in addressing illicit activities. The government highlights that SENAN is a security and emergency response agency rather than a military force, and that Panama remains committed to its demilitarized security policy. Financing of the purchase was authorized through an exceptional process, with most funding expected to come from external sources, although the final structure has not yet been confirmed. Government representatives insist that the aircraft will not be used for offensive purposes and that their deployment will focus on surveillance, reconnaissance, border monitoring, search and rescue, and disaster response missions. Despite these assurances, the decision has been criticized domestically, with opponents arguing that resources should instead be allocated to healthcare and education and questioning whether the acquisition indicates a shift away from Panama’s post-1989 demilitarization.
But the political context for the acquisition includes rising tensions with the United States in December 2024, when U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to reassert U.S. control over the Panama Canal, citing high tolls and potential Chinese influence. The Panamanian government rejected those assertions, reaffirmed sovereignty, and faced domestic protests that highlighted the sensitivity of the canal issue. Analysts suggest that these developments may have influenced Panama’s decision to strengthen its aerial security capabilities. The acquisition of the Super Tucanos is therefore interpreted by some as both a modernization effort and a strategic measure to reinforce Panama’s ability to assert control over critical national infrastructure. The government continues to emphasize that the aircraft are dedicated to non-offensive missions and to maintaining Panama’s security structure without reintroducing a military force.
The A-29 Super Tucano is a light attack and reconnaissance aircraft developed by Embraer as an advanced derivative of the EMB-312 Tucano trainer. It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C engine producing 1,600 horsepower, allowing for a maximum speed of 590 kilometers per hour, an endurance of up to eight hours, and a combat range of approximately 550 kilometers. It can operate from austere and unprepared airstrips thanks to reinforced landing gear, increasing its flexibility for remote operations. The airframe is built with Kevlar protection around the cockpit and engine, while the standard armament includes two FN Herstal M3P .50 caliber machine guns with 200 rounds per gun. The aircraft is compatible with night vision goggles and equipped with a forward-looking infrared sensor for night or low-visibility missions. Its avionics suite integrates a mission computer, targeting pods, a laser rangefinder, and electronic countermeasure systems for radar and missile defense.
The A-29 can be fitted with up to five external hardpoints, enabling the carriage of unguided bombs such as the Mk 81 and Mk 82, precision-guided munitions including Paveway II and JDAM, rocket pods, and air-to-air missiles like the MAA-1 Piranha. For close air support missions, it can be equipped with a Giat NC621 20 mm cannon pod. These capabilities allow the aircraft to perform surveillance, reconnaissance, training, interdiction, and tactical coordination. Designed for long service life, with an operational fatigue span of 8,000 to 12,000 flight hours, it is considered suitable for countries with limited logistical capacity. Globally, more than 290 Super Tucanos have been ordered, with over 580,000 flight hours logged in operations ranging from counter-narcotics missions in Colombia to counterinsurgency campaigns in Afghanistan. A NATO-compatible variant, the A-29N, has also been developed, incorporating advanced communications and options for single-pilot operation.
Panama’s broader procurement also includes two C-295 aircraft, restoring a medium transport capability not available since the early 1990s when its sole CN-235 was sold. The C-295s are intended for logistics, maritime surveillance, aerial firefighting, and humanitarian operations, complementing the Super Tucanos’ patrol and interdiction roles. SENAN’s current fleet includes Cessna 208B Grand Caravans, Piper PA-34 Senecas, Airbus C-212 Aviocars, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, MD-500 helicopters, Bell 412 helicopters, a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, and Enaer T-35C Pillán trainers, none of which are combat-capable. The integration of both the A-29s and the C-295s is expected to expand operational flexibility for border control and emergency response. While critics point to the risks of escalating Panama’s traditionally civilian security policy, government officials argue that the acquisitions are required to maintain operational readiness and sovereignty amid increasing unauthorized flights and organized crime activities in Panamanian airspace.
The contract also carries symbolic significance by positioning Panama within a group of Latin American states that rely on multi-role turboprop aircraft for both security and training. Social organizations continue to voice concern over the financial burden of the deal, particularly since detailed financing structures have not been made public, but government officials emphasize that external funding will mitigate domestic costs. For Embraer, Panama’s selection strengthens the Super Tucano’s footprint in the region, where Paraguay and Uruguay also placed new orders in 2024. The Panamanian government maintains that the procurement is designed to support national surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-trafficking operations. The introduction of combat-capable aircraft after more than three decades of demilitarization highlights the balance Panama seeks to strike between maintaining civilian security institutions and ensuring the protection of its sovereignty and critical national assets.
