Embraer confirms Panama's selection of the A-29 Super Tucano
Embraer has finally acknowledged the selection of the A-29 Super Tucano by the Panamanian government as its new surveillance and protection aircraft, but the manufacturer did not confirm how many aircraft are being negotiated.
In March, Panama’s National Air and Naval Service (SENAN) announced that it had begun negotiations to acquire four turboprops for advanced training and light attack, along with two Airbus C-295 transport aircraft.
The two agreements are expected to total US$187 million, with US$78 million for the Super Tucanos and US$109.2 million for the two Airbuses.
As it does not have an armed forces, Panama has a fleet for surveillance and border control, but uses liaison and transport aircraft for these missions.
“It is an honor 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,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, CEO of Embraer Defense & Security during LAAD, where the announcement was made.
Panama will be the eighth Latin American country to operate the Super Tucano, along with Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay and the Dominican Republic.
Since last year, Embraer has again closed contracts for the A-29 after a three-year hiatus. In addition to Uruguay and Paraguay, the aircraft has been ordered by an African country and also by Portugal in the A-29N variant, specific for NATO.
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