The Indonesian Air Force has signed a commercial contract for a second batch of eight light attack and tactical training A-29 Super Tucano. The order also includes a flight simulator that will be used for instructing and training Indonesian pilots.
In August 2012, Indonesia will receive the first four airplanes from the initial batch of eight aircraft ordered in November 2010. Deliveries of the second batch are scheduled for 2014.
“This decision shows the recognition given to the quality of the Super Tucano by the international market,” said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President of Embraer Defense and Security. “We are pleased with the confidence expressed by the Indonesian Air Force, and we are confident that the performance of the Super Tucano will be effective and excellent in the missions for which it was chosen.”
The A-29 Super Tucano was selected by Indonesia to carry out a broad range of missions, including light attack, surveillance, aerial intercepts, and counter-insurgency. This acquisition is part of the modernization of the Indonesian Defence Force’s equipment for years 2009-2014.
With more than 157,000 flight hours and over 23,000 combat hours, the A-29 Super Tucano makes excellent use of the most recent electronic, optical, infra-red and laser technologies, as well as secure radio communications with data-link, and an unparalleled weaponry capability, making it highly reliable and at a top-level cost/benefit ratio for a wide range of military missions, even operating from unpaved runways.