Negotiations are underway to purchase six aircraft to protect borders, and a Brasilia aircraft was also acquired, the same as the one Uruguay already has.
The Ministry of Defense is seeking to buy six aircraft to “protect the Uruguayan border as much as possible.” Armando Castaingdebat, the head of the ministry, said in a press conference that talks are underway with the Brazilian company Embraer, the third largest aircraft manufacturer in the world, to buy six Super Tucano aircraft.
The minister said that the eventual acquisition would undoubtedly mean “a turning point for the Uruguayan Air Force” within the framework of the government’s policy to strengthen border patrols.
“This will be accompanied by a technological package; different radar proposals are being considered. If it can be implemented, I think it will be good news, not only for the Air Force, but for all of Uruguay, to be able to advance in terms of border protection,” he said.
He also reported that “a Brasilia aircraft has just been purchased and is being sought,” also from Embraer. He commented that it is “the same as the one in the Air Force,” “with the difference that the rear door is expected to be adapted for medical transfers.”
Finally, after his appearance before the Senate Defense Committee, Castaingdebat said that this week all the documents will be ready to purchase the ocean patrol vessels (OPV), which in turn will arrive in Uruguay in the next few days.
“What is missing to finish the issue is what is related to the guarantee and the credit, the originals. After that, the Delpiazzo study will make the evaluation that it coincides with everything that has been seen and there the issue of the OPVs would be closed, which is in line with a plan that this government set for the renewal of the different forces,” said Castaingdebat.
As reported The countryPresident Luis Lacalle Pou discussed the purchase of the six Super Tucano with the Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The acquisition will cost an estimated $100 million, payable over 10 to 15 years.
