The Philippines Air Force has taken delivery of all six Super Tucano aircraft ordered from aircraft manufacturer Embraer.
The final airframe was delivered on October 14, in a ceremony at Philippine Air Force Base Clark.
“The Philippine Air Force takes pride in welcoming the six A-29B Super Tucano from Embraer Defense and Security into the blue fold of our skies as part of our fleet. The addition of these close air support aircraft is a great leap in our air power capability as we soar together in our flight to a more capable and credible Air Force for the nation and its people,” Lieutenant General Allen T. Paredes AFP, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, said.
According to local media, defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana hinted at the possibility of buying an additional six aircraft. “Having six Super Tucanos is good, but maybe another six will be better,” Philippine news site Inquirer quoted him as saying.
Operated and maintained by the Philippine Air Force 15th Strike Wing, the Super Tucanos will be deployed for close air support, light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception, counter-insurgency missions, and advanced training.
“It is an honor to deliver these six A-29 Super Tucanos to the Philippine Air Force,” said Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “Delivering an aircraft amidst a global pandemic is challenging, but we were committed to go the extra mile every step of the way to have the aircraft in the hands of PAF to fulfil their security missions.”
Philippines ordered the aircraft in November 2017.
