Paraguayan Air Force

The Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) is structured to support the nation's army and navy, with a primary mission of protecting national airspace and providing logistical support. Its organization includes a First Aerial Brigade, an Airmobile Brigade, an Aerial Regions Command, a Logistics Brigade, and an Instruction Institutes Command. The main operational units are based near Asunción. The force's primary combat element, the 3rd Fighter Squadron "Moros," operates Embraer EMB-312 Tucano aircraft. Other key units include the Air Transport Group, equipped with aircraft like the CASA C-212 and Cessna 208, and a helicopter group flying UH-1H and Helibras HB350 helicopters.

Operationally, the FAP's capabilities are centered on internal security, counter-narcotics, and border surveillance, rather than conventional air-to-air or strategic strike missions. The small number of operational Tucano interceptors, estimated at between two and six, represents its entire fighter/interceptor capability. The force's strategic doctrine is guided by the need to control its airspace, support counter-trafficking operations, and provide transport for other branches of the armed forces. The FAP's limited resources dictate a focus on maintaining existing assets and conducting surveillance and transport tasks within national borders.

In 2024, the FAP expanded its local maintenance capabilities for the AT-27 Tucano fleet with assistance from the Brazilian Air Force. Plans have been announced for the acquisition of additional aircraft to enhance airspace control, with Embraer making a formal offer of A-29 Super Tucanos. Past modernization initiatives included acquiring ELTA EL/M 2106 NG radars and flight simulators to improve surveillance and training. However, plans to acquire more capable aircraft, such as the Korean KT-1 or additional Super Tucanos, have historically been hindered by a lack of resources. The force's development focuses on adapting its existing structure to confront transnational crime and improve interoperability, rather than expanding its force projection capabilities.