The Paraguayan Air Force intercepted a Bolivian Cessna 206 light aircraft suspected of transporting cocaine, in an operation involving one Tucano and one A-29 Super Tucano.
The pictures of the aerial chase were released by the channel ABC TV Paraguay.
According to preliminary information, this incident began at around 11.00 local time, when the Paraguayan military detected a plane classified as “irregular” in the northern region of the country. Later identification showed that the aircraft was a Cessna 206 with Bolivian registration CP-2088, registered in the department of Concepción. Initial detection occurred around Paso Bravo National Park.
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In statements to the press, the Commander of the Paraguayan Air Force, General Julio Fuyabondo, explained that the initial phase of the operation included covert escorts, with plans for helicopter-supported surprise ground operations at potential landing points. However, as the aircraft approached to within about 40 km of the Brazilian border, active intercept was permitted to force a landing.
Once identified, the Cessna pilots were ordered to communicate and land, but the orders were ignored. Therefore, the crew of the Tucano and Super Tucano fired warning shots, in accordance with Paraguayan law.
According to the command, the plane landed in the vicinity of the border town of Capitan Bado, where two vehicles approached. After additional warning shots, the trucks left the scene, and the Cessna remained on the ground for about a minute and a half before taking off again, allegedly without having time to unload.
However, videos published by local residents indicate that unloading may have occurred before the plane took off again, indicating that the smugglers were successful in removing the illegal material.
After taking off, the plane was again escorted by a pair of Tucano and Super Tucano until it left Paraguayan airspace for Bolivia. The total duration of the operation, according to the command, ranged from 3.5 to 4 hours. Paraguay notified the Bolivian Air Force and relayed the target coordinates at the moment the aircraft entered Bolivian airspace. Further investigations regarding the registration of CP-2088 are under Bolivian jurisdiction.
Although the distance between the landing point and the Bolivian border appeared to exceed the Cessna 206’s standard range, the commander explained that smugglers often installed improvised internal fuel tanks, which significantly extended the operational range of the planes.
The Paraguayan Armed Forces confirmed that the increase in flight detections related to narcotics trafficking was due to the use of air surveillance radars. With the arrival of the new system supplied by the United States, it is hoped that the effectiveness of interception can be further improved. Under national law, the use of lethal force is limited to self-defense or neutralizing an immediate threat to a third party, while warning shots are generally permitted.
In November 2024, the Paraguayan government obtained financing from BNDES for the procurement of six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft manufactured by Embraer. These light attack aircraft are primarily used to combat drug cartels, intercept smuggling aircraft, and support ground troops. Paraguay receives the first shipment A-29 by the end of June 2025.
Super Tucano chases suspected drug-trafficking aircraft for nearly 4 hours in Paraguay
The Paraguayan Air Force intercepted a light Bolivian Cessna 206 aircraft suspected of transporting cocaine, in an operation involving a Tucano and an A-29 Tucano
Source: ABC TV Paraguay pic.twitter.com/MDhLgWVHBB— saibadetudo.com.br (@saibadetudo25) February 8, 2026
Source and image: Embraer | ABC TV Paraguay. This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
