The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has placed an order with Embraer for the delivery of six A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training aircraft.
Through a comprehensive public bidding process, Embraer has been selected from among several manufacturers from around the globe.
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The Super Tucano aircraft passed stringent evaluation processes before being selected for the PAF’s ongoing modernisation plan.
The PAF will use the new aircraft for close air support, light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception, and counterinsurgency missions.
Embraer Defense and Security president and CEO Jackson Schneider said: “We are honoured to be selected by the Philippine Air Force, our second operator in the Asia-Pacific region, and with the confidence expressed by our customer.
“The Super Tucano is the best light attack aircraft in the market and we are confident that it will accomplish with excellence the missions it was selected for.”
Delivery of these aircraft is expected to begin in 2019.
Upon completion of the delivery, the aircraft will be maintained by the PAF’s 15th Strike Wing.
The A-29 Super Tucano can perform a wide range of missions such as operating from unimproved runways, Embraer stated.
The Super Tucano’s airframe has been designed with advanced technology and computer-aided tools that provide the aircraft with a potential service life of 18,000 hours for typical training missions, or 12,000 flying hours in operational environments, according to the company.
To date, the aircraft has been selected by 14 airforces across the world.
