According to information released by the Philippine News Agency, on July 9, 2020, the Philippine Air Force expects to receive six new A-29 Super Tucano Light Attack Aircraft manufactured by the Brazilian company Embraer, at the end of July 2020.

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Chris Carlson, a Sierra Nevada Corporation senior pilot, taxis an A-29 Super Tucano on the flightline during its first arrival, Sept. 26, 2014, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga (Picture source U.S. Air Force)

In November 2017, the Brazilian company Embraer has announced an order for six A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF). After a comprehensive public bidding process participated by several manufacturers from around the globe and complying with the stringent evaluation processes the Super Tucano was selected as part of the PAF’s ongoing modernization plan.

The A-29 Super Tucano is a durable, versatile and powerful turboprop aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of missions, even operating from unimproved runways. To date, the Super Tucano was selected by 15 air forces worldwide. Once the delivery of these aircraft is completed, they will be turned over to and maintained by the 15th Strike Wing, the PAF’s end-user.

The A-29 Super Tucano is powered by a PT6A-68A turboprop engine, developing 969kW. It can fly at a maximum speed of 593 km/h with a maximum range of 4,820 km and an endurance of 6 hours and 30 minutes.

The A-29 Super Tucano is fitted with five hardpoints able to carry 1,500 kg of weapons as bombs, air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles or rockets. The aircraft is also armed with two wing-mounted 12.7mm machine guns with a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds.