Under the regime of “exception” decrees, the President of the Republic of Paraguay and Commander-in-Chief of the National Armed Forces, Santiago Peña, signed decrees 2162, 2163, and 2165 authorizing the Ministry of National Defense to purchase Super Tucano aircraft from Brazil for the Paraguayan Air Force to safeguard national airspace. The Ministry of Economy and Finance has been entrusted with managing the procurement process.
The Minister of National Defense, retired General Óscar González, explained to Zona Militar the significance of these decrees and their urgent nature: “This is under the exception route because they are military equipment and armaments for exclusive use, and the law allows us to proceed in this manner. The cost will be $96,681,379 USD and will be financed through a loan from the Banco Nacional de Desarrollo Económico y Social of Brazil. The need for these aircraft is critical as our airspace is currently unprotected from irregular flights.”
According to Admiral Cibar Benítez from the National Defense Council (Codena), adjustments were made to the procurement of the Super Tucano, resulting in a lower cost tailored to the needs of the Paraguayan Military Forces. “These Super Tucanos are part of the equipment we need for the fight against drug trafficking. The decree has been signed, there have been preliminary discussions (with Embraer), and the cost is lower thanks to the management efforts made to acquire what is necessary,” stated Admiral Benítez.
Details of the purchase for the Paraguayan Air Force
Minister González outlined the scope of the Paraguayan government’s investment: “The package includes a flight kit, communication equipment, night flight equipment, a flyer camera, weapons systems, equipment and software for vision planning and training, one year of logistical support, equipment and tools for maintenance, a technical representative from Embraer for one year, training for 8 pilots and 12 mechanics, and a 12-month warranty.”
Regarding the acquisition of military radars mandated by law No. 7151, which requires “the obligation to acquire and put into operation a radar system with coverage to safeguard national airspace,” Admiral Benítez explained: “The radar acquisition process is ongoing, not due to lack of political decision, but to ensure we choose exactly what we need for our requirements.”
Minister González added: “We need the Super Tucanos for the missions we are undertaking as Armed Forces, to confront the new threats that everyone is aware of. Radar procurement is also in progress, but we cannot discuss concrete details yet. This is just to equip the Air Force adequately; we also need to equip the Army and the Navy so that missions can be fully accomplished and we have the necessary tools across all fronts.”
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