The Dominican Air Force is considering the purchase of new aircraft and radar equipment. Major General Richard Vásquez of the Air Force said the purchase would be made to strengthen the surveillance of the air space and reduce the operating costs of the Super Tucano aircraft. Major General Vasquez told El Dia that the purchases are needed to combat drug trafficking.
This would be the second major purchase of aircraft by the Dominican government. The case on corruption in the purchase of the Super Tucanos is being heard in a Dominican court. Embraer admitted in 2014 to making cash for contract payments to Dominican officers to ensure the purchase of the eight Super Tucano aircraft during a former Leonel Fernandez presidency. The argument then was that the aircraft was needed to police Dominican skies.
Read more:
El Dia
Wall Street Journal
7 August 2019