Aircraft

Embraer has confirmed the signature of a long-planned purchase by the Dominican Republic of eight EMB-314 Super Tucano light attack aircraft. The deal was finalised "at the end of last year", according to the Brazilian manufacturer.

The new aircraft will be used for internal security and border patrol missions, says Embraer, which had been expecting to sign the deal since mid-2007.

The armed Super Tucanos will provide a new capability for the Dominican air force, which has a current frontline inventory of EADS Casa C-212 fixed-wing transports and Bell OH-58 scout and UH-1H transport helicopters, according to Flight's MiliCAS and HeliCAS databases.

© Embraer

Previous export customers for the EMB-314 are Chile (12) and Colombia (25). Launch operator the Brazilian air force has also so far taken delivery of 63 Super Tucanos, according to Embraer.