Paraguay and Brazil are in advanced negotiations for the purchase of six Embraer Super Tucano A-29 fighter jets worth $96 million. This is part of Paraguay's strategy to intensify the fight against drug trafficking, as reported by Paraguayan Minister of Defense Oscar Gonzalez, Reuters reports, quoted by News.bg.
This deal is just one element of a larger $500 million package the Paraguayan government has earmarked to bolster its defense and security capabilities.
Gonzalez stressed that the treaty to be signed between Paraguay and Brazil aims to deal with the growing threats of drug trafficking and organized crime in the region.
The Paraguayan government has issued a decree that allows the transaction to take place without the need for a public auction. However, Minister Gonzalez noted that the final approval will have to come from the parliament as well.
Meanwhile, Paraguay's neighbor Uruguay is also in advanced talks to buy six of the same Embraer fighter jets to bolster its armed forces.