Deployed for close air support, light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception and counterinsurgency missions

Embraer this week announced a firm order of six A-29 Super TUCANO light attack and advanced training aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

After a comprehensive public bidding process, the Super TUCANO was selected as part of the PAF’s ongoing modernisation plan. The aircraft will be deployed for close air support, light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception and counterinsurgency missions. Deliveries will start in 2019.

“We are honored to be selected by the PAF, our second operator in the Asia-Pacific region, and with the confidence expressed by our customer,” Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said. “The Super TUCANO is the best light attack aircraft in the market and we are confident that it will accomplish with excellence the missions it was selected for.”

The A-29 Super TUCANO is a durable, versatile and powerful turboprop aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of missions, even operating from unimproved runways. To date, the Super TUCANO was selected by 14 air forces worldwide. Once the delivery of these aircraft is completed, they will be turned over to and maintained by the 15th Strike Wing, the PAF’s end-user.

DPM