The first 3 of 6 Philippine Air Force A-29 Super Tucano transiting through Malta today whilst on delivery, the other 3 are expected tomorrow. Currently they are sporting the Philippine Air Force roundel and their delivery registrations PT-ZZM/-ZZN/-ZZO/-ZZQ/-ZZS/-ZZU whilst their military squadron and insignia are covered. On the 30th of November 2017, Embraer announced a firm order of six A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training aircraft with an option for another 18 aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF). The aircraft in PAF service will be deployed for close air support, light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception, and counterinsurgency missions.
These aircraft are bound for PAF’s 15th Strike Wing which was recently made under the newly activated Air Combat Command (ACC) of the air force. The aircraft will eventually replace the PAF’s aging OV-10 Bronco. They commenced their delivery flight from São José dos Campos (SBSJ) and continued their route through Recife (SBRF), Fernando de Noronha (SBFN), Amílcar Cabral (GVAC), Gran Canaria (GCLP) and Alverca Air Base (LPAR).
Military serials will be as follows:
- PT-ZZM – 1901
- PT-ZZN – 1902
- PT-ZZO – 1903
- PT-ZZQ – 1904
- PT-ZZS – 1905
- PT-ZZU – 1906
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