The Uruguayan Ministry of National Defense is negotiating with the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer for the purchase of six A-29 Super Tucano aircrafts, to patrol and shield its border.
The news was confirmed to the press by Uruguayan Defense Minister Armando Castaingdebat, when he appeared before a Senate committee to explain the details of the purchases being negotiated by the Government to recover the capabilities of the Uruguayan Air Force (FAU).
Castaingdebat stated that: “we are in advanced talks with the Brazilian company Embraer for the purchase of six Super Tucano, which would undoubtedly be a “turning point” in the Uruguayan Air Force, in a policy of trying to shield the Uruguayan border as much as possible”.
El ministro de Defensa Nacional @ACastaingdebat se refirió a la renovación de las plataformas de las Fuerzas Armadas. pic.twitter.com/SVvozJcXiU
— MDN Uruguay (@MDN_Uruguay) July 9, 2024
According to several Uruguayan media, the acquisition of the A-29 Super Tucano training and attack aircraft would imply an investment of US$ 100 million, payable in a term of 10 to 15 years, which is part of the plan of President Luis Lacalle Pou‘s government for the renewal of the Armed Forces. In addition, the minister commented that as part of the negotiations for the Super Tucano, Embraer would be offering a “technological package” and that different proposals for air defense radars are being evaluated.
Finally, Castaingdebat confirmed the purchase of an Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia aircraft for passenger and cargo transport missions, as well as for sanitary transfers, once the rear door is modified for such purposes. FAU pilots will soon be traveling to Brazil to pick up the new aircraft.
Several media outlets consider the purchase of the Super Tucano as finalized, since it would have been agreed by Presidents Luis Lacalle Pou and Brazilian President Luis Ignacio Lula da Silva during their brief conversation at the Mercosur summit in Asuncion (Paraguay). However, there is still no official confirmation that the negotiations between the two countries have been concluded.
