Embraer has announced a firm order of six A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Following a public bidding process and compliance evaluation, the Super Tucano was selected as part of the PAF’s ongoing modernisation plan. The aircraft will be deployed for close air support, light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception, and counterinsurgency missions. Deliveries will start in 2019.

“We are honored to be selected by the Philippine Air Force, our second operator in the Asia-Pacific region, and with the confidence expressed by our customer”, said Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

He added: “The Super Tucano is the best light attack aircraft in the market and we are confident that it will accomplish with excellence the missions it was selected for”.

To date, the Super Tucano has been selected by 14 air forces worldwide, Embraer says.