Super Tucanos for Panama

During the recent LAAD Defense & Security 2025 in Brazil, Embraer has confirmed the Panamian government has made a deal to purchase four Embraer Super Tucano light combat and advanced training aircraft. In addition, two Airbus C295 medium transport aircraft have been bought.

All Panamanian military aircraft are flown by the Servicio Aeronaval Nacional (National Naval Air Service, SENAN) after the disbandment of the country’s air force a few decades ago. Both types of aircraft will bring a considerable leap in capabilities for Panama, that has never operated a combat aircraft before. The last fixed training aircraft in use was the Enaer T-35 Pillan, ten of which have been delivered in the late 80s, but these aircraft have not been flown over ten years. The purchase underlines Panama’s commitment and are part of a broad programme to enhance the country’s security capabilities.

After Uruguay and Paraguay, Panama will become the third Latin American country that has ordered the Super Tucano in the last few months, bringing the total number of Latin American countries operating the type to eight.  Panama's government has stated that Super Tucanos will be used to address illicit activities within national territory, such as drug trafficking and illegal fishing, as well as for border patrol, surveillance, special operations, and pilot training.

Photo by Embraer.