Montevideo.-The Ministry of National Defense of Uruguay purchased six aircraft from the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer with the aim of patrolling and protecting the borders.
The acquisition of the Super Tucano model involves an investment of USD 100 million, which is in line with a plan set by the government of Luis Lacalle Pou for “renewal of forces,” explained Minister Armando Castaingdebat at a press conference.
The head of the National Defense Department went to a Senate committee on Monday to give details of the purchase made by the Uruguayan Air Force.
The government also acquired a plane called Brasilia, which it plans to adapt the rear door to enable it to carry out medical transports, and which is similar to one that the Uruguayan force already has.
The purchase from Embraer, meanwhile, will be of six Super Tucano aircraft. “It would mean a before and following in the Uruguayan Air Force, in a policy of trying to protect the Uruguayan border as much as possible,” the minister said.
The minister contacted the Brazilian company’s executives on Monday, who confirmed that the aircraft would arrive in Uruguay this week. However, there are still some formalities to be finalized, related to the original guarantee and endorsement.
The purchase announced on Monday will also be accompanied by a “technological package” as the government is evaluating different offers to buy radars. “If it can be completed, it is good news not only for the Air Force but for the whole of Uruguay, to be able to advance in the shielding of borders,” he said.
On its website, Embraer highlights that the A-29 Super Tucano model has “wide operational flexibility and maneuverability” and claims that it is the “only light attack aircraft designed from the outset to meet the demands of air combat.” The speed, altitude and range are “exceptional,” and it is “highly maneuverable” to “intercept aircraft.”
President Luis Lacalle Pou and his Brazilian counterpart Lula da Silva were involved in the purchase of these planes, El País reported. The heads of state met at the Mercosur Summit in Paraguay and, although a meeting between them was not prearranged, there was room for a few minutes of conversation. In that dialogue, an agreement that had been under negotiation for a long time was reached.
The conversation between the presidents took place between the end of the summit and the lunch that the leaders had in Asunción. During that brief exchange, the operation was closed, which includes the purchase of six aircraft for USD 100 million, to be paid for in a period of between 10 and 15 years. The government believes that the investment will be key to improving control of the airspace and to having more tools to contain drug trafficking.
The new Brasilia aircraft, meanwhile, costs just over USD 1 million and will replace the one currently in use by the Air Force.
The renewal of the fleet is a goal that the authorities set themselves at the beginning of the administration. The previous minister, Javier García, arranged the purchase of two Hercules aircraft for US$ 24 million, two helicopters and agreed to the purchase of two ocean patrol boats from a Spanish shipyard.
In December 2020, the renewal of the Air Force’s equipment began with the arrival of the first Hercules. “Today begins a process of modernization of essential equipment. With this addition there is more sovereignty, more human security, more civil protection,” the leader stressed at the time.
The National Navy, meanwhile, also began a fleet renewal process that included – in addition to the purchase of two ocean-going vessels – the arrival of new coast guard vessels, search and rescue boats and a scientific research vessel.Clarín.
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2024-07-12 14:41:17