During the commemoration of the 101st anniversary of the creation of the Paraguayan Air Force Military Aviation School, the Brazilian company Embraer presented its offer to the Paraguayan government, consisting of the sale of six EMB 314 Super Tucano attack aircraft, plus the modernization of six EMB 312 Tucano aircraft, among other works.
Representatives of the Brazilian brand demonstrated the EMB 314 Super Tucano at the premises of the First Air Brigade at Silvio Pettirossi Airport in Asunción, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Santiago Peña, the Minister of National Defense, General (Ret.) Óscar González, and the Air Force General, Julio Fullaondo.
According to General Fullaondo, the total cost of the plan presented by Embraer amounts to USD 121 million, which, in addition to the mentioned actions, will include training for 8 pilots and 12 mechanics, sale of weaponry for the attack aircraft, and logistical support. The latter item includes the construction of new hangars for the Super Tucano.
“We are initiating discussions; we do not yet have resources. We are exploring sources of funding for the acquisition of aircraft. We have evaluated other options and chosen this aircraft for its technical capabilities. The operational cost of the Super Tucano is USD 1,500 per hour, including fuel and material wear,” explained General Fullaondo at a press conference.
Modernization of the Paraguayan Armed Forces
Minister González emphasized the commitment assumed since taking office, highlighting the need to continue promoting improvements to the Paraguayan Armed Forces. This is something he previously mentioned in an exclusive interview with Zona Militar.
“We need aircraft for the Air Force, technology for all branches of the Armed Forces, armored vehicles for the Army, weaponry, and vessels for the Navy; all possible resources so that together we can efficiently fulfill our constitutional mission,” reiterated Minister González.
Another aspect highlighted by General Fullaondo and Minister González is that the acquisition of primary radars is underway. This runs parallel to the acquisition of aircraft. Furthermore, the Paraguayan Defense Minister justified the purchase of radars: “We are convinced that the purchase of radars is an investment. With them, we would have several advantages such as reducing drug trafficking, a direct impact on public health, and increasing revenue for those who control the airspace,” González explained. He also emphasized: “Revitalizing the Armed Forces would boost the country’s image because we will have better control not only of air traffic but also of land and water traffic. Defense and security must go hand in hand with development; they should not be in conflict. Radars must be accompanied by the ability to react with Super Tucano aircraft. Having just radars without the aircraft would provide very little benefit to the country.”
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