Embraer and Panama have completed the signing of a contract for the acquisition of four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. The fleet will be operated by the Panamanian National Air and Naval Service (SENAN, in Spanish) as a new surveillance and protection platform.

The announcement is part of the entity's program to structure and expand operational capacity and will largely benefit the national security project underway in the country. With the signing of the contract, Panama becomes the eighth Latin American Nation to choose this model A-29 Super Tucano, along with Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay and the Dominican Republic.

The Super Tucano is the global reference in its category with more than 600,000 flight hours (see for details AVIONEWS). Currently, 22 air forces have selected it, and other Nations have already shown interest in the platform due to the combination of factors.

The A-29 is designed for air forces seeking a proven, comprehensive, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution on a single platform, coupled with great operational flexibility. The airplane operates in a wide range of missions, such as air patrol, special operations, air and tactical coordinator (TAC), ISR, border surveillance and monitoring, control of illicit activities, reconnaissance, air escort, and basic, operational and advanced pilot training.

See for details AVIONEWS.