Ecuador to Invest $56.8M to Reactivate Super Tucano Fleet

Ecuador has reportedly announced a $56.8 million investment to recover most of their A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from storage.

SA Defensa first reported this on April 15. Additionally, the United States will be contributing $10 million to the Super Tucano recovery program.

The Ecuadorian Air Force currently operates 18 Super Tucanos, stationed at Manta Air Base across two squadrons: the 2313 "Halcones" squadron for border surveillance and flight training, and the 2311 "Dragones" squadron for counterinsurgency missions. The Ecuadorian Super Tucanos are equipped with the PT-6A-68A (1,300 shp) engine.

In 2009, Ecuador signed a deal for the supply of 24 Super Tucanos to replace their aging fleet of Vietnam-era Cessna A-37 Dragonfly strike aircraft, aiming to reassert control over the country's airspace. All aircraft were delivered by 2011.

In May 2010, after receiving its sixth Super Tucano under a $270 million contract, Ecuador announced a reduction in its order from 24 to 18 Super Tucanos, reallocating funds to purchase used South African Air Force Denel Cheetah C fighters.