Brazil supplies first A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to Paraguay for anti-trafficking missions
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On June 30, 2025, the Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) received four A-29 Super Tucano light attack and training aircraft from Embraer during a ceremony held at Silvio Pettirossi Air Force Base, near Asunción. This event marks the first batch of a six-aircraft order signed on November 19, 2024, with a total contract value of approximately $96.6 million, financed entirely through a loan from Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES).Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C turboprop engine rated at 1,600 shaft horsepower, the A-29 Super Tucano has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,400 kg and can carry up to 1,550 kg of external payload. (Picture source: Embraer)
Present at the delivery were President Santiago Peña, Vice President Pedro Alliana, Minister of National Defense General (Ret.) Óscar González, and Commander of the Paraguayan Air Force, General Julio Fullaondo. The agreement had been publicly confirmed during the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow. According to the delivery schedule, all six aircraft are expected to be operational by July 2025. Paraguay will become the eighth operator of the A-29 in the region, after Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Panama, and Uruguay.
The A-29 Super Tucano aircraft delivered to Paraguay are configured for export and equipped with a set of digital avionics, including two multifunction color LCD displays measuring 15.24 x 20.32 cm and one display of 13.76 x 17.52 cm. The cockpit supports night vision goggles and includes an onboard synthetic training system. Defensive systems include chaff and flare dispensers and external armor. Sensor equipment comprises a laser rangefinder and an MX-15 electro-optical turret capable of both conventional and thermal imaging. Each aircraft is armed with 12 LAU-32 rocket launchers, each carrying seven 70 mm rockets, and has provisions for carrying general-purpose and laser-guided bombs. The aircraft will be supported by a complete logistical package including spare parts, scheduled maintenance, mission planning and debriefing stations, and pilot training provided by Embraer. The full series of six aircraft will be serialed FAP 1101 to FAP 1106 and will be based at Ñú Guasú Air Base in Luque, under Air Brigade No. 1’s Aerotactical Group.
At the time of delivery, the Paraguayan Air Force had not officially confirmed whether the aircraft would be assigned to the 1st Fighter Squadron “Guaraní,” which previously operated AT-26 Xavante aircraft in its “Orion” and “Centauro” flights, or the 2nd Fighter Squadron “Indios,” which flew AT-33As in its “Taurus” and “Scorpio” flights. The aircraft features a Southeast Asian camouflage pattern with two tones of green and sand on the upper surfaces and medium grey on the underside. Their designated primary mission will be the surveillance of Paraguayan airspace, with particular emphasis on intercepting unauthorized flights suspected of being involved in illicit trafficking of narcotics, arms, or other contraband. Secondary missions include close air support, reconnaissance, aerial interdiction, and armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). To enhance airspace control, Paraguay has also acquired a radar system valued at $45.7 million, expected to be installed within 30 months. This acquisition is intended to support national efforts against organized crime and improve situational awareness.
Tensions have developed between Paraguay and Brazil following allegations that Brazil’s intelligence agency ABIN was involved in a cyberattack against Paraguayan government networks. The Paraguayan government launched an investigation into the incident, which allegedly sought sensitive data related to the Itaipu Binational Treaty, particularly its Anexo C component. As a result, President Peña announced the suspension of talks with Brazil on the Anexo C renewal and publicly indicated that Paraguay may cancel the Super Tucano contract if espionage claims are substantiated. In response to this development, Embraer initiated dialogue with Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and Minister of Defense José Mucio to seek political support for the preservation of the contract. Brazilian diplomatic sources expressed concern that the situation might be leveraged by Paraguay during broader treaty negotiations. Despite the ongoing investigation, the delivery proceeded on schedule with four aircraft formally handed over to the FAP.
The Paraguayan Air Force is currently undergoing a modernization process. In recent years, its efforts have included the upgrade of T-35 Pillán trainers by Chile’s ENAER, local development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including the Taguato I, Piririta, and Taguato II, and consideration of foreign platforms such as Korea’s KT-1P and Argentina’s IA-63 Pampa. The FAP has also pursued radar system enhancements, including evaluations of Israel’s ELTA EL/M-2106 NG and Argentina’s INVAP RPA-240, and initiated legislative proposals for authority to intercept unauthorized aircraft. Additional modernization projects have involved drone acquisitions, paratrooper and flight simulators, and partnerships with companies like Aerovehicles to explore Class III UAVs. Although proposals such as a shoot-down law have faced rejection in the national congress, other efforts, including bilateral cooperation and domestic UAV development, have continued. The delivery of the A-29 Super Tucano is one component of this broader multi-year modernization strategy, which aims to replace aging platforms and increase operational readiness.
The A-29 Super Tucano is based on the EMB-312 Tucano but incorporates a range of improvements to meet light attack, counterinsurgency, and advanced training requirements. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C turboprop engine rated at 1,600 shaft horsepower, the aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,400 kg and can carry up to 1,550 kg of external stores. It reaches speeds of up to 590 km/h, with a ferry range of 2,855 km using external fuel tanks, and operates at a service ceiling of 10,665 meters. The airframe is reinforced to withstand +7/-3.5 Gs and is optimized for austere conditions with the ability to operate from unpaved runways. Integrated systems include a head-up display (HUD), hands-on throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls, GPS/INS navigation, and optional equipment such as missile approach warning systems (MAWS), radar warning receivers (RWR), and helmet-mounted displays (HMD). Armament includes two wing-mounted 12.7 mm FN Herstal M3P machine guns and five hardpoints for a mix of guided and unguided munitions.
As of 2025, the A-29 Super Tucano has accumulated over 600,000 flight hours in service with 22 air forces globally, with more than 290 units ordered to date. It has been employed operationally in Colombia for air strikes against FARC, in Afghanistan for close air support missions, and in Brazil for border surveillance under Operation Ágata. The aircraft is also part of the U.S. Air Force’s Light Air Support (LAS) program, with units assembled in the United States by Sierra Nevada Corporation. NATO-standard variants, designated A-29N, are under development for European users, with updated datalinks and single-pilot operation. Embraer is also modernizing older aircraft to the A-29M standard for the Brazilian Air Force, introducing features such as wide-area cockpit displays, enhanced data links, new guided weapon options, and electronic warfare upgrades. Paraguay’s acquisition is situated within this broader framework of global adoption and platform evolution.
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On June 30, 2025, the Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) received four A-29 Super Tucano light attack and training aircraft from Embraer during a ceremony held at Silvio Pettirossi Air Force Base, near Asunción. This event marks the first batch of a six-aircraft order signed on November 19, 2024, with a total contract value of approximately $96.6 million, financed entirely through a loan from Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES).
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C turboprop engine rated at 1,600 shaft horsepower, the A-29 Super Tucano has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,400 kg and can carry up to 1,550 kg of external payload. (Picture source: Embraer)
Present at the delivery were President Santiago Peña, Vice President Pedro Alliana, Minister of National Defense General (Ret.) Óscar González, and Commander of the Paraguayan Air Force, General Julio Fullaondo. The agreement had been publicly confirmed during the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow. According to the delivery schedule, all six aircraft are expected to be operational by July 2025. Paraguay will become the eighth operator of the A-29 in the region, after Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Panama, and Uruguay.
The A-29 Super Tucano aircraft delivered to Paraguay are configured for export and equipped with a set of digital avionics, including two multifunction color LCD displays measuring 15.24 x 20.32 cm and one display of 13.76 x 17.52 cm. The cockpit supports night vision goggles and includes an onboard synthetic training system. Defensive systems include chaff and flare dispensers and external armor. Sensor equipment comprises a laser rangefinder and an MX-15 electro-optical turret capable of both conventional and thermal imaging. Each aircraft is armed with 12 LAU-32 rocket launchers, each carrying seven 70 mm rockets, and has provisions for carrying general-purpose and laser-guided bombs. The aircraft will be supported by a complete logistical package including spare parts, scheduled maintenance, mission planning and debriefing stations, and pilot training provided by Embraer. The full series of six aircraft will be serialed FAP 1101 to FAP 1106 and will be based at Ñú Guasú Air Base in Luque, under Air Brigade No. 1’s Aerotactical Group.
At the time of delivery, the Paraguayan Air Force had not officially confirmed whether the aircraft would be assigned to the 1st Fighter Squadron “Guaraní,” which previously operated AT-26 Xavante aircraft in its “Orion” and “Centauro” flights, or the 2nd Fighter Squadron “Indios,” which flew AT-33As in its “Taurus” and “Scorpio” flights. The aircraft features a Southeast Asian camouflage pattern with two tones of green and sand on the upper surfaces and medium grey on the underside. Their designated primary mission will be the surveillance of Paraguayan airspace, with particular emphasis on intercepting unauthorized flights suspected of being involved in illicit trafficking of narcotics, arms, or other contraband. Secondary missions include close air support, reconnaissance, aerial interdiction, and armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). To enhance airspace control, Paraguay has also acquired a radar system valued at $45.7 million, expected to be installed within 30 months. This acquisition is intended to support national efforts against organized crime and improve situational awareness.
Tensions have developed between Paraguay and Brazil following allegations that Brazil’s intelligence agency ABIN was involved in a cyberattack against Paraguayan government networks. The Paraguayan government launched an investigation into the incident, which allegedly sought sensitive data related to the Itaipu Binational Treaty, particularly its Anexo C component. As a result, President Peña announced the suspension of talks with Brazil on the Anexo C renewal and publicly indicated that Paraguay may cancel the Super Tucano contract if espionage claims are substantiated. In response to this development, Embraer initiated dialogue with Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and Minister of Defense José Mucio to seek political support for the preservation of the contract. Brazilian diplomatic sources expressed concern that the situation might be leveraged by Paraguay during broader treaty negotiations. Despite the ongoing investigation, the delivery proceeded on schedule with four aircraft formally handed over to the FAP.
The Paraguayan Air Force is currently undergoing a modernization process. In recent years, its efforts have included the upgrade of T-35 Pillán trainers by Chile’s ENAER, local development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including the Taguato I, Piririta, and Taguato II, and consideration of foreign platforms such as Korea’s KT-1P and Argentina’s IA-63 Pampa. The FAP has also pursued radar system enhancements, including evaluations of Israel’s ELTA EL/M-2106 NG and Argentina’s INVAP RPA-240, and initiated legislative proposals for authority to intercept unauthorized aircraft. Additional modernization projects have involved drone acquisitions, paratrooper and flight simulators, and partnerships with companies like Aerovehicles to explore Class III UAVs. Although proposals such as a shoot-down law have faced rejection in the national congress, other efforts, including bilateral cooperation and domestic UAV development, have continued. The delivery of the A-29 Super Tucano is one component of this broader multi-year modernization strategy, which aims to replace aging platforms and increase operational readiness.
The A-29 Super Tucano is based on the EMB-312 Tucano but incorporates a range of improvements to meet light attack, counterinsurgency, and advanced training requirements. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C turboprop engine rated at 1,600 shaft horsepower, the aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,400 kg and can carry up to 1,550 kg of external stores. It reaches speeds of up to 590 km/h, with a ferry range of 2,855 km using external fuel tanks, and operates at a service ceiling of 10,665 meters. The airframe is reinforced to withstand +7/-3.5 Gs and is optimized for austere conditions with the ability to operate from unpaved runways. Integrated systems include a head-up display (HUD), hands-on throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls, GPS/INS navigation, and optional equipment such as missile approach warning systems (MAWS), radar warning receivers (RWR), and helmet-mounted displays (HMD). Armament includes two wing-mounted 12.7 mm FN Herstal M3P machine guns and five hardpoints for a mix of guided and unguided munitions.
As of 2025, the A-29 Super Tucano has accumulated over 600,000 flight hours in service with 22 air forces globally, with more than 290 units ordered to date. It has been employed operationally in Colombia for air strikes against FARC, in Afghanistan for close air support missions, and in Brazil for border surveillance under Operation Ágata. The aircraft is also part of the U.S. Air Force’s Light Air Support (LAS) program, with units assembled in the United States by Sierra Nevada Corporation. NATO-standard variants, designated A-29N, are under development for European users, with updated datalinks and single-pilot operation. Embraer is also modernizing older aircraft to the A-29M standard for the Brazilian Air Force, introducing features such as wide-area cockpit displays, enhanced data links, new guided weapon options, and electronic warfare upgrades. Paraguay’s acquisition is situated within this broader framework of global adoption and platform evolution.
