The complexity of the security situation in the South China Sea and the de facto limited budget means that the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) modernization objectives face tough competition with other services.
Portugal is looking to streamline its pilot training pipeline and reduce the country’s reliance on the U.S. with the procurement of Embraer's A-29 Super Tucano.
Even if the Middle East is no longer the only game in town for defense exports, it still has ample appetite for advanced equipment, from drones to transports.
The top modernization priority is adding to the fleet of A-29 Super Tucano armed turboprops, Lebanese Air Force Commander Brig. Gen. Michael Saifi says.
Embraer has several A-29 Super Tucanos that await signed orders before they can be delivered, the head of the company’s defense business tells Aviation Week.
The launch of the A-29N during the LAAD Defense and Security event on April 12 comes as Portugal has started shopping for a close air support aircraft.