Panama signs contract to acquire four A-29 Super Tucanos

Panama has signed a contract for the acquisition of four A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, manufacturer Embraer announced on 4 September 2025.

The aircraft will be operated by the National Aeronaval Service of Panama (Servicio Nacional Aeronaval de Panamá – SENAN) as surveillance and air support platforms.

The contract means that Panama becomes the eighth Latin American nation to choose the A-29, along with Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay and the Dominican Republic. In all, 22 different air forces have selected the type.

Embraer stated that the A-29 procurement is part of Panama’s programme “to structure and expand operational capacity and will largely benefit the national security project underway in the country”.

The SENAN, which is the only air arm in Panama, is currently only equipped with transport aircraft, trainers, light utility aircraft and helicopters.

“It is an honour for Embraer to see another Latin American country choose the A-29 Super Tucano to leverage its surveillance, reconnaissance and protection capabilities,” Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Panama’s choice of the Super Tucano, a world leader in its category, will certainly serve as a strong ally to support the country in its mission to maintain national sovereignty.”