The Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) has acquired a Cessna 408 SkyCourier, putting the South American country on course to become the first military operator of an aircraft that has so far been used mainly for cargo, commuter and air taxi services.
The aircraft is already at Textron Aviation's facilities in Wichita, Kansas, painted in FAP colors and carrying the number 2037. Its arrival in Paraguay is scheduled for October 5.
The acquisition comes as Paraguay completes the introduction of six Embraer A-29 Super Tucano light attack and training aircraft ordered in 2024. The final aircraft from that order are being delivered this year.
Paraguay paid US$11.3 million for the SkyCourier, with funding provided by Itaipu Binacional. The aircraft will be operated by the FAP's Grupo de Transporte Aéreo (GTA) for passenger and cargo transport, logistical support and aeromedical evacuation missions.
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The first aircraft has serial number 408-0075. Paraguay has already formally accepted it from Textron Aviation in the United States, although the ferry flight to its new home has yet to take place.
Belgium became the first announced military customer
The Paraguayan acquisition opens another chapter for the SkyCourier, which entered service in 2022 after being developed largely around the requirements of launch customer FedEx Express.
Since then, the aircraft has found customers beyond the express cargo market, including airlines and air taxi operators. Its high wing, fixed landing gear, large cabin and ability to operate from relatively short runways also make the platform suitable for military utility and liaison missions.
Belgium became the first announced military customer for the SkyCourier when it ordered five aircraft to support its Special Operations Forces. The aircraft will undergo modifications in Belgium before entering military service, with the first expected to be available in 2027.
The Belgian program goes beyond basic transport. Planned missions include the deployment and extraction of small special operations teams, logistical support and medical evacuation, while requirements for the program have also included intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
With the Paraguayan aircraft already completed and scheduled to arrive in the country in October, the FAP could therefore put the SkyCourier into military service before Belgium, although in a more conventional utility role.
SkyCourier production increases
The move into the defense market comes as Textron Aviation increases production of the SkyCourier. Deliveries have gained pace in 2026 as the manufacturer expands the aircraft's customer base beyond the large FedEx order that supported the launch of the program.
The SkyCourier is available as a 19-seat passenger aircraft or as a freighter capable of carrying three LD3 containers and approximately 2.7 tonnes of payload. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC engines.
Textron Aviation is also studying an unmanned version of the SkyCourier, another development aimed partly at defense applications. The company has been evaluating how the aircraft's payload, cabin volume and relatively simple operating characteristics could support autonomous cargo and other military missions.
For Paraguay, however, the initial role will remain conventional. FAP commander General Julio Fullaondo said the SkyCourier will begin the replacement of the service's CASA C-212 Aviocar fleet. Paraguay has five C-212s, but only two are currently operational.
The new aircraft is scheduled to arrive at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport near Asunción on October 5, potentially giving the SkyCourier its first operational home with a military service.
