Paraguay is evaluating Taiwan’s retired F-5E/F Tiger II fighters and AIDC AT-3 Tzu Chung trainers for a possible transfer as it seeks to restore a supersonic combat capability after decades without one. The proposal would complement Paraguay’s ongoing introduction of six Embraer A-29 Super Tucanos, a USD 101.6 million programme that has already put four aircraft in service, with the final two due in August 2026.
The Taiwanese package remains at the assessment stage and no government-to-government deal has been confirmed. Even if pursued, the aircraft would bring heavy technical and financial demands, including radar modernisation, logistics support and higher operating costs for ageing airframes. The youngest Taiwanese-built F-5s are already about 40 years old, underlining the support burden attached to any transfer.
For Paraguay, the attraction is the prospect of moving beyond a purely subsonic fleet and broadening its air-defence options. The report does not indicate an official decision, contract signing or delivery schedule, and no public statement from Paraguayan or Taiwanese authorities was identified confirming negotiations or an order.