Paraguay to receive 15 AIDC AT-3 jet trainers from Taiwan

The Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) has reached an agreement to receive 15 AIDC AT-3 Tzu-Chung advanced jet trainers from Taiwan. The aircraft, which are being retired from Taiwanese service in favor of the AIDC T-5 Brave Eagle, are expected to arrive in Paraguay disassembled by mid-2027.

According to FAP sources, the first four aircraft are projected to be operational by the end of 2027, with the full fleet of 15 expected to be assembled and ready by 2028. The FAP plans to implement modifications, including new VHF communication equipment, to meet specific national requirements. These jets will be used to re-equip the 1° Escuadrón de Caza of the Grupo Aerotáctico, a unit that has been inactive for over two decades.

In conjunction with this acquisition, Paraguay is planning to open a new air base in Mariscal Estigarribia, located in the Chaco region. This base is intended to host a new combat group and will house a portion of the new AT-3 fleet alongside existing Embraer Tucano and Super Tucano aircraft. This move aims to bolster the country's aerial combat and training capabilities.