Panama’s Cabinet Council Announces Purchase of A-29 Super Tucano and CASA C-295 Aircraft
The acquisition of military aircraft has strategic implications for defense and the economy.
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Panama’s Cabinet Council has announced the purchase of four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from Embraer S.A. and two CASA C-295 aircraft from Airbus.
The contract with Embraer was finalized for a total of $78 million, while the order for two CASA C-295 aircraft from Airbus will cost $109 million.
The aircraft will be assigned to the National Aeronaval Service, according to a government statement issued after the Cabinet Council meeting on Tuesday, March 11. The acquisitions will be made through an exceptional procurement process, as reported by the aviation news portal InformeAéreo.
The four A-29 Super Tucano ($78M) provide light attack capabilities for counterinsurgency missions, aerial surveillance, and support for ground operations—critical for border and maritime zones.
The two CASA C-295 ($109M) enhance tactical transport (accommodating up to 70 troops or 8 tons of cargo) and disaster response, strengthening the logistics of the National Aeronaval Service.
This new equipment improves surveillance over the Panama Canal and territorial waters, which are key to combating drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and irregular migration. The C-295’s maritime patrol capabilities complement security efforts along commercial routes.
The exceptional procurement process (bypassing a bidding process) has raised concerns regarding compliance with anti-corruption standards, potentially impacting the country's credit rating if irregularities are found.
By prioritizing surveillance aircraft over combat jets, Panama aligns itself with nations like Costa Rica (which lacks an air force), focusing more on internal security than military projection.
This modernization reflects a dual strategy: protecting critical infrastructure (the Canal) and addressing asymmetric threats (such as drug trafficking). However, rigorous fiscal management will be necessary to prevent cost overruns.
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