Brazilian firm bags DND’s P4.9-B attack aircraft project

A pair of Brazilian Air Force Embraer A-29 Super Tucanos in flight over the Amazon Rainforest. (Photo By Johnson Barros – Aeronaves Ágata 7, CC BY 2.0)

MANILA — The Department of National Defense (DND) has selected Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer Defense and Security as the supplier of its six brand-new close air support aircraft (CASA) which has a contract of PHP4,968,000,000.

This was confirmed by DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong who said the company will be supplying its turboprop A-29 “Super Tucano” light attack aircraft.

He added that the notice to proceed has been issued sometime this week.

“Yes. A Notice to Proceed for the supply and delivery of six close air support aircraft has been transmitted to and received by Embraer Defense and Security,” Andolong said when sought for confirmation on whether the contract was indeed bagged by Embraer.

“The aircraft that was selected after a rigorous public bidding process that was participated in by several manufacturers from different countries was the Super Tucano A-29, which is compliant with the stringent technical specifications required by the PAF (Philippine Air Force),” he added.

Andolong said the contract is now being crafted for signing by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

The six brand-new CASA, once delivery commenced on 2019, is expected to augment or even replace the eight to 10 ageing Rockwell OV-10 “Bronco” attack planes being used by the PAF in close-air support missions.

Funds will be sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act Trust Fund.