This article is included in these additional categories:

Americas - Other | Contracts - Awards | Other Corporation | Specialty Aircraft

Colombia Finalizes Deal for Super Tucano COIN Aircraft

For more on this and other stories, please consider purchasing a membership.
If you are already a subscriber, login to your account.
Colombian EMB-314(click to view full) On June 17, 2005, DID noted that Embraer had presented the only bid for a $234.5 million contract to sell 22 light combat/ counter-insurgency aircraft to Colombia. There was some question whether the long-delayed purchase would go ahead, but Embraer recently announced a $235 million contract with the Government of […]
FAC Super Tucano

Colombian EMB-314
(click to view full)

On June 17, 2005, DID noted that Embraer had presented the only bid for a $234.5 million contract to sell 22 light combat/ counter-insurgency aircraft to Colombia. There was some question whether the long-delayed purchase would go ahead, but Embraer recently announced a $235 million contract with the Government of Colombia for the sale of 25 Super Tucano light attack & counter-insurgency aircraft. This contract includes a comprehensive logistics and systems training package, with a full flight simulator.

Although the AT-27/ EMB 312 Tucano is in service with 10 air forces, this marks the first sale of the upgraded Super Tucano/ALX variant beyond Brazil’s 99-plane order. The Colombian Air Force (FAC) currently operates 14 armed Tucano training aircraft that were purchased in the 1990s, and the EMB-314 Super Tucano will also serve with the Fuerza Aerea Colombiana in internal security and border patrol missions.

UPDATES…

* A Super Tucano is shot down on July 12/12, during operations against the FARC.

* The final aircraft was delivered in August 2008. Source.

* Elbit’s Avionics will have the same prominent role in Colombia’s Super Tucanos as they do in Brazil’s. Elbit Systems’ share of the project is expected to be worth approximately $17 Million, including the logistics support package. Delivery will take place during 2006 and 2007.

* Colbombia’s aircraft will have one thing Brazil’s don’t, however – Jane’s reports that they’ll be equipped with a FLIR Systems BRITE Star multi-sensor laser designator/ rangefinder or a similar Star SAFIRE III system, a different self-protection system, and other changes. The aircraft will also carry laser-guided bombs.

Additional Readings

* SLD (Feb 18/13) – Colombia Battles the FARC: Turboprops Provide Key Tools

* The Czechs are very directly touting their surplus L-159 Albatross light attack jets at the Colombian market. The L-159 has a slightly different top-end capability set than the Super Tucano/ALX, but there is a great deal of overlap. Complementary similarity to address Colombia’s predominant mission set – or too much duplication to ever hope for a sale? The latter, apparently.

One Source: Hundreds of programs; Thousands of links, photos, and analyses

DII brings a complete collection of articles with original reporting and research, and expert analyses of events to your desktop – no need for multiple modules, or complex subscriptions. All supporting documents, links, & appendices accompany each article.

Benefits

  • Save time
  • Eliminate your blind spots
  • Get the big picture, quickly
  • Keep up with the important facts
  • Stay on top of your projects or your competitors

Features

  • Coverage of procurement and doctrine issues
  • Timeline of past and future program events
  • Comprehensive links to other useful resources