In his latest management report, President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, projected an investment of USD 500 million in the coming years for security and reequipment of the Paraguayan Armed Forces. “Regarding investments in security, I have decided to allocate the unprecedented sum of nearly 500 million dollars in the coming years to strengthen security, in terms of human resources and technology,” Peña promised in his first report to the Bicameral Chamber of the National Congress. He added, “I am not here to paint a rosy picture: citizen insecurity is the most deeply felt, widespread, and daily concern, and it is the one that worries and occupies me the most.”
However, among the Government’s achievements since its start on August 15, 2023, Peña mentioned “unprecedented” seizures of marijuana and operations against organized crime. All these operations were led by the Armed Forces, to which he plans to allocate this funding.
Asked about this announcement and whether this money requested from lawmakers would go directly to the plans for acquiring radars and aircraft, National Defense Minister, General (Retired) Óscar González, told Zona Militar, “The acquisition of the Super Tucano aircraft and radars is in a very advanced stage, and soon the President will announce the financing source.”
Regional Balance
The modernization plans for the Paraguayan Armed Forces continue at a slow pace. With a new leadership in the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, President Peña hopes to obtain approval to finance these two major projects.
Paraguay’s intention is to purchase Super Tucano aircraft from Brazil, from the Brazilian company Embraer, in a contract worth around USD 300 million, which includes six aircraft, as well as the installation of a new hangar, technician training, and other expenses. It should be noted that the Paraguayan Air Force already has trained pilots in Brazil to operate these aircraft.
Meanwhile, the radars will be acquired from INVAP in Argentina, the mobile RPA-200M and six fixed RPA-200F radars, which will provide complete radar coverage of Paraguay’s airspace, fulfilling Law No. 7151, enacted last year by the executive branch, which mandates “the mandatory acquisition and implementation of a radar system capable of covering and safeguarding the entire national airspace.”
Zona Militar also understands that personnel from the Paraguayan Air Force are trained to use these radars as soon as they are installed, and communication lines with the National Directorate of Civil Aviation (DINAC) are ready for the implementation of this law.
Agreement with Starlink
In an agreement between the Paraguayan Government, the United States Government through Southern Command, and Starlink, it was confirmed an investment of USD 3 million for setting up satellite internet and cybersecurity to control Paraguay’s airspace and borders for the Armed Forces.
The implementation of Starlink in the Chaco region, which has limited communication infrastructure, will be crucial for the National Defense Council (CODENA) to have more information and ensure security along its borders with Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil.
Nathaniel Fick, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Cybersecurity and Digital Policy, during his visit to Paraguay, confirmed that military bases in various departments of Paraguay will become pillars of the air traffic control system. Additionally, they will serve as digital assistance points for schools and state agencies in remote areas, significantly improving connectivity in rural areas.
The agreement extends beyond technological infrastructure, including the training of professionals in cybersecurity. Gustavo Villate, Minister of Information Technology and Communication (MITIC) of Paraguay, highlighted that this technological support will enable the Armed Forces to enhance their capabilities in tracking and locating aircraft, as well as obtaining real-time information on border activities.
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