BNDES signs million-dollar contract to export Embraer fighter jets to Paraguay

O National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) signed a significant contract with the government of Paraguay to finance the export of six Super Tucano aircraft, accompanied by a logistics package from Embraer S.A. for the Paraguayan Air Force.

The agreement, worth R$600 millionwas implemented during the G20 Leaders Summitmade not Rio de Janeiro.

The signing ceremony, which took place on the last day of the summit this Tuesday, 19, was attended by the Minister of Economy of Paraguay, Carlos Fernandez Valdovinosand the president of BNDES, Aloizio Mercadante.

Mercadante highlighted the importance of the contract, noting that it marks the first financing operation for the export of defense products by BNDES in more than a decade, highlighting the bank’s resumption of support for Defense Industrial Base (BID) from Brazil.

He emphasized that BNDES financing is essential to complement the resources available in the private market, allowing Brazilian exporters to compete on equal terms in the international market.

The BNDES president also mentioned that the operation is part of the Nova Indústria Brasil strategy, which focuses on the development of strategic high-technology and innovation sectors.

“This was the first financing operation for exports of Defense products approved in more than 13 years by BNDES, marking the bank’s resumption of support for the Defense Industrial Base [BID] Brazilian. It is a strategic sector of New Industry Brazil, as it is technology-intensive and generates innovation, manufacturing products with high added value and generating high-skilled jobs”, he highlighted.

Os Super Tucanosused for training, reconnaissance and combat, should improve Paraguay’s technological capacity in combating narco-terrorism, according to information from BNDES.

O A-29 Super Tucano is recognized worldwide in its category, with more than 260 units delivered and more than 500 thousand hours accumulated flight time, being employed by 16 air forces around the world.

In addition to the Super Tucanos, Embraer also produces other combat aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB)including the F-5M Tigero A-1 AMX and the Gripenthe latter a joint project with the Swedish company Saab, whose inaugural flight is scheduled for 2025.

This agreement reaffirms BNDES’ commitment to strengthening the national defense industry and expanding the presence of Brazilian high-technology products on the global stage.