The President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, along with the top leadership of his government, visited INVAP’s factory in the city of San Carlos de Bariloche to learn more about what the Argentine company can offer the country in its radarization process.
The delegation, led by President Peña in his role as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, was accompanied by the First Lady, Leticia Ocampos; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano; the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Francisco Javier Giménez García de Zúñiga; and the Legal Advisor Minister, Fernando Fronciani.
On his social media, Peña pointed out: “Investing in technology is investing in the country’s development. During our meeting with representatives of INVAP, a leading company in technological projects worldwide, we discussed Paraguay’s potential to become a digital integration center for the region.”
The acquisition of primary radars is a top priority for the Paraguayan Government following the entry into force of Law 7151/2023, which establishes the mechanisms for the purchase and operation of a radar system for surveillance and protection to cover and safeguard the entire national airspace for Paraguay’s territorial defense.
In January, the Defense Ministers of Argentina and Paraguay held a meeting where Minister Óscar González acknowledged INVAP’s firm offer, endorsed by Minister Petri.
Modernization with a budget of US$ 300 million
The Paraguayan Air Force outlined its intention to have an aerospace surveillance and control system that includes the acquisition of nine 3D radars to cover the entire Paraguayan territory up to a height of 2,000 feet.
The project presented by the Paraguayan Air Force included the acquisition of these nine radars plus the modernization of the interception fleet with the purchase of Super Tucano aircraft. The Brazilian company Embraer conducted a demonstration of this aircraft in February at the FAP premises, with an offer totaling USD 121 million, which will include the acquisition of six planes, training for eight pilots and twelve mechanics, plus the construction of a new hangar within the FAP premises in the Aerotactical Group.
As part of this mentioned modernization, the budget prepared by the Paraguayan Government amounts to USD 300 million. With President Peña’s visit to INVAP, it is understood that there is a preference for the Argentine industry over other offers presented to the Paraguayan state.
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