Philippines receives 4 fighter planes from Brazil

The Philippines received four units of Close Air Support Aircraft (A-29 Super Tucano) from Brazil, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Sunday.

The DFA said four fighter planes from Empresa Brasiliera de Aeronáutica (Embraer SA) were given to the Philippine Air Force under the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

This is part of the efforts to enhance the defense cooperation between the Philippines and Brazil, according to the DFA.

“Four fighter planes arrived yesterday, 19 September 2020, at the Clark International Airport and two more will arrive in the coming week. An official arrival ceremony is being organized,” DFA said.

The aircraft is designed for light attack, close air support, counter-insurgency, and aerial reconnaissance missions in low threat environments. It is also built for high temperature and humidity conditions in extremely rugged terrain similar to the country's operational environment.

Brazilian aerospace conglomerate Embraer SA is the world’s third largest producer of civil aircraft after Boeing and Airbus, DFA said.

Embraer SA produces commercial, military, and executive aircraft and it also provides aeronautical services.

“The Philippine Embassy in Brasilia provided assistance in coordinating the ferry flight and other necessary arrangements with Embraer SA to ensure the timely delivery of the aircraft,” the DFA said. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News