Brazil's Avibras joins Embraer and Elbit on unmanned aircraft

Brazilian defense contractor Avibras will join planemaker Embraer SA and the local unit of Israeli defense company Elbit Systems in developing unmanned aircraft in Brazil, the companies said on Tuesday.
Avibras will take a 9 percent stake in a joint venture known as Harpia Systems, which will expand its lineup to include the Falcao unmanned aircraft that Avibras has developed for Brazil's Air Force.
"Avibras' participation increases domestic shareholding in Harpia Systems," Embraer's defense chief Luiz Carlos Aguiar said in a statement, adding that the joint venture now qualifies as a strategic defense company under Brazilian law.
Embraer will hold on to its 51 percent stake in Harpia, while Elbit's Brazilian unit AEL Systems will reduce its stake from 49 percent to 40 percent.
Harpia is one of several new defense projects Embraer has undertaken in recent years to take advantage of Brazil's burgeoning military budget and offset the volatile sales cycle in commercial aviation.

Brazil Wants to Buy Russian Anti-Aircraft Weaponry

Brazil’s Defense Ministry intends to discuss purchasing air defense systems from Russia during talks with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev later this month, the ministry said on Sunday.

"We are interested in acquiring three batteries of Pantsir-S1 missiles and two batteries of Igla missiles," General Jose Carlos De Nardi, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces, said in a statement.
The possible purchase of Russian anti-aircraft weaponry will be discussed during Medvedev’s visit to Brazil scheduled for the end of February, De Nardi said.
An agreement, if signed, would envisage the construction of a factory in Brazil and the transfer of technologies, he said.
The Pantsir-S, produced by Russia's KBP, is a gun-missile system combining a wheeled vehicle mounting a fire-control radar and electro-optical sensor, two 30-mm cannons and up to 12 57E6 radio-command guided short-range missiles, and is designed to take on a variety of targets flying at low altitudes.
The Pantsir can engage targets up to 20 km (12 miles) by missiles and 4 km (2.5 miles) using cannons, KBP claims.

Brazil upgrading air force's AWACs

The Brazilian air force has chosen Embraer Defense and Security to modernize five airborne early warning and control aircraft.

Upgrades to the EMB-145s will include enhanced electronic warfare systems, command-and-control systems, electronic countermeasures and air surveillance radar.

"This upgrade will allow the Brazilian air force to continue operating with excellence an important part of (the) national air defense system," said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, president of Embraer Defense and Security. "The E-99 plays a strategic role within the FAB in the control of airspace and the surveillance of our borders."

The contract is worth about $215 million.

"Over the last decade, the air force confirmed the high value of these early warning and control aircraft in the accomplishment of its mission," said Brig. Carlos de Almeida Baptista Jr., president of the Aircraft Program Coordinating Committee Battle for the Brazilian air force.

U.S. Navy Expands Partnership Brazil

NOC Brazil Expands Partnership

RIO DE JANEIRO --- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm.. Jonathan Greenert Concluded a weeklong visit to Brazil Saturday,

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January 19 Where he spoke with naval leadership, toured multiple navy and marine corps bases, maritime and expanded partnership opportunities.

One of the main objective of the visit was to meet with Greenert for the Commander of the Brazilian Navy Adm. Julio Soares de Moura Neto, who Greenert Refers to have a steadfast friend and partner in this Economically vibrant country with growing military capabilities.

Greenert's visit symbolically year of construction the U.S. Navy's commitment to the two navies, maritime partnership with roots reaching back to WWII.

Officially Greenert prolonged the relationship through a personal invitation to Moura Neto and the Brazilian navy to take part in the multinational exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2014.

Greenert and Moura Neto aussi secured future cooperation Opportunities entre le through the two nations joined signing memoranda of understanding of two, one of Which is to continue the Military Personnel Exchange Program (MPEP), Which allows for Brazilian and U.S. officers to swap jobs and learn defense practices from the host country.

The other memorandum signed by Both naval chiefs Enacted the Foreign Service Liaison Officers memorandum of understanding, Which topping has a liaison officer to command specific to his or her country Represent Regarding matters of government policies, procedures, laws and règlements.

Expressed his appreciation Moura Neto Greenert and for the U.S. Navy by bestowing upon him the Brazilian Order of Merit Award for distinguished service and exceptional contributions to the Citizens and country of Brazil. Greenert accepted the award on Behalf of the U.S. Navy with a sincere declaration of continued naval support. "This visit Emphasized the importance HAS really of my relationship with Adm. Moura Neto and our Navy," Greenert said.

Greenert's trip Began in the capital city of Brasilia on Monday Where he, his naval counterpart Moura Neto and senior naval officers sat Brazilian down for a round table discussion about maritime Numerous topics.

The visit continued with a tour for Greenert Aramar of the Nuclear Facility and various military facilities in Rio de Janeiro, Including the Itaguai Submarine Submarine Base and Shipyard Which facility is under construction. While in Rio, Greenert STATED the U.S. Navy will assist with lessons learned from Brazil the development of the U.S. nuclear submarine program to help foster Brazil's subsurface capabilities.

Embraer to Modernize Brazilian Surveillance Aircraft for the AF

Embraer Defense and Security and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) signed a contract to Modernize five EMB 145 AEW & C (Airborne Early Warning and Control), designated E-99 in the FAB. The contract, valued at USD 215 million Approximately, Provides for the updating of electronic warfare systems, command and control systems, Electronic Countermeasures and air surveillance radar. Atech, a company Embraer Defense and Security, Participates in the development of the command and control system. The contract included six aussi Mission Planning and analysis stations That Will be employed in the improvement and training of crews.

Built on the platform of the successful ERJ 145 regional jet, with more than 1.100 units and 19 million Delivered flight hours, the E-99 is operated by FAB ble to detect, track and Identify targets in Their patrol area and transmitted this information to allied forces. The aircraft can perform airspace management, positioning and intercepting fighter control, signals intelligence and surveillance missions. It will be used to aussi Provide security for major sporting events will take place in That Brazil in the coming years.

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"This upgrade will allow the Brazilian Air Force to continue operating with excellence year significant share of national air defense system," Said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President of Embraer Defense and Security. "The E-99 plays a strategic role in the FAB Within the control of airspace and the monitoring of our borders."

Brazil signs AEW modernisation deal

Brazil's air force has selected Embraer's Le Bourget-based subsidiary Embraer Aviation International to modernise its fleet of five EMB-145-derived E-99 airborne early warning and control system aircraft.
Valued at almost $114 million and contracted in late December, the programme is primarily aimed at updating the surveillance aircraft's onboard mission sensors. It also follows the 6 December award of a deal with Brazil's Mectron that covers the development of the Link BR2 data link system. This will equip the modernised E-99s as of 2016, along with the service's modernised Northrop F-5EM, Embraer/Aermacchi A-1M and Embraer A-29 Super Tucano combat aircraft.
The air force has refrained from providing further details regarding the E-99 modernisation programme. However, Brazilian sources indicate that the aircraft will receive enhancements to its electronic warfare and

Brazil criticizes the Rafale its high maintenance costs

Brazilians accuse the French fighter aircraft of high maintenance costs compared to its rivals, the Gripen (Saab) and F-18 (Boeing). This does not mean that the Rafale is out of play

"If Brazil had to select a fighter at the end of last year, the Rafale has not been selected," says a great connoisseur of Brazil "La Tribune". A perspective nonetheless. The fighter lights, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, has not escaped a commercial disaster. Simply because there was really more of an issue during a visit to Paris in December the president of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff. Unlike many press articles saying the opposite.

In November, Brasilia warned Paris of postponing its decision on the choice of the future combat aircraft to equip the Air Force as part of the tender F-X2, which was extended several times. "Brasilia will make its decision in a timely manner," stressed early November the Brazilian Defense Minister Celso Amorim, during a visit to Brasilia his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian. Especially, Reuters revealed in late September that Brazil did not take a decision until mid-2013 on the renewal of its fleet of combat aircraft, a contract valued at least four billion (3 billion euros). Lack of money in the coffers. "We pushed choice (...) and it will take some time depending on the time it will take the Brazilian economy to recover", said Dilma Rousseff during a joint press conference with François Hollande. President of Brazil favors the defense equipment to protect the marine resources Brazilian oil has other priorities, including social.

The flashing orange

A blessing in disguise so. But the orange lights are for the Rafale. That does not mean it is not out of the game Far from it. But "the French offer must be better explained or otherwise improved," says one to the "Tribune." What's wrong with the French proposal? Maintenance costs and the cost per flight hour of jet lights are considered too high criticism in Brazil, especially in the Air Force ... However, where there are many supporters of the Rafale. "This is the most technologically advanced aircraft, this is the best, says one. We have many things to learn cooperation with Dassault Aviation." But compared to the Gripen, a single engine, the latest version does not exist but delusional advance costs per flight hour (4,500 euros), Brazilians believe that the maintenance cost of the Rafale remains high. "While the budget goes to maintenance," one hears in Brazil. As for the F/A-18 Hornet (Boeing), another rival for the Rafale, it benefits from euro / dollar rate to be competitive with the French aircraft.

Brazil invests in rocket technology

Brazil is pursuing a multimillion-dollar program to revive and modernize its precision strike technologies with the aim of developing rockets and missiles both for domestic military use and exports.
The Latin American country, under military rule from the mid-1960s to mid-1980s, profited from precision rocket exports, many to former Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein and Arab states in the Persian Gulf.
The end of the Iraq-Iran war and the Cold War set Brazil's defense industry back, with production shutdowns, job losses and collapse of the export market but all that is intended to change.
The one billion real -- $480 million -- initial outlay by the Defense Ministry is focused on updating Avibras' ASTROS, acronym for Artillery SaTuration ROcket System, which is capable of launching multiple rockets.
A modernized ASTROS 2020 configuration will include the production of a GPS-guided short-range rocket and an AV-TM300 missile that gives the new system a 180-mile strike range.
That level of reach would stand out in the global market, as it would rival the U.S. Multiple Launch Rocket System and Army Tactical Missile System combined, Defense Industry News said on its website.
Analysts said the Brazilian investment indicated the government's strategy to regenerate defense manufacturing neglected over nearly three decades.
Brazil has been investing in research and development of GPS-guided rockets and has sought to increase their range during the development process. Earlier versions of 180mm SS-AV-40 guided rockets are known to have a range of about 25 miles but Brazilian research has also looked into developing jet-powered cruise missiles to increase the range.

ORBIT to supply airborne digital management system for Brazilian Air Force

ORBIT Communication Systems has been awarded a contract to provide its airborne digital management systems (ADAMS) to the Brazilian Air Force (BAF).

The undisclosed contract covers the supply of ADAMS for installation onboard the air force's P-95A Bandeirulha aircraft fleet to help support its maritime patrol operations.

The selection was based on the cost-effectiveness and combat proven high performance of the ADAMS, which is expected to address the specific requirements and challenges of maritime patrol, which include secure communications and support for large crews.

Commenting on the contract award, ORBIT Communication Systems CEO Ofer Greenberger said the company will support BAF's mission-critical maritime patrol missions.

The award also reflects the quality and suitability of the company's communication management systems to handle complex requirements of maritime patrol applications, Greenberger added.

Ashok Leyland eyes business in Brazil

Ashok Leyland has approached the Brazilian government to sell its heavy defence truck Stallion MK-IV (above), under a joint venture agreement.

eavy trucks maker Ashok Leyland has approached the Brazilian government to sell its heavy defence truck Stallion MK-IV, under a joint-venture arrangement. The move comes as the terrain of Latin America requires heavy trucks for logistic purposes, and currently the ones being used in countries like Brazil, Columbia, Peru and Equador are US and China made, which are expensive. Brazil however, was scouting for a cheaper option. These Ashok Leyland vehicles can perform the same tasks and are cheaper.

The tie-up between Ashok Leyland and the Brazilian company would meet the logistic requirements of neighbouring countries like Columbia, Peru, Equador, as well, but the main assembly plant will be in Brazil. As of now it is not yet known which Brazilian company will tie up with Ashok Leyland, which has offered its vehicles at almost one-third the price of the US and Chinese vehicles.

Over 70,000 of these trucks are already in use in the Indian army to supply logistics in far-flung areas. The proposal was forwarded through the Ministry of External Affairs recently, to the Ambassador of Brazil, in the form of a presentation.

A-Darter could be followed by further South African-Brazilian air force missile projects

As a result of the success of the current A-Darter programme, it is possible that the Brazilian Air Force will undertake further joint development projects with South Africa. However, although some preliminary discussions have taken place, no formal negotia- tions have started and no decisions have been made. Importantly, however, the agreement signed between the South African Department of Defence and the Brazilian Ministry of Defence in 2003 provided for the development of mutually beneficial defence projects, and not just for the A-Darter programme.
“The partnership is outstanding. The relation- ship we have with South Africa is a benchmark for Brazil, for the air force, and for Brazilian companies,” affirms Brazilian Air Force A-Darter project manager in South Africa Colonel Valter Malta. “We’ve worked with many countries and companies and we particularly like working with South Africa. The opportunity to work on the development of a latest generation missile is a highlight as well.”

Brazil expects a better jet fighter deal

Brazil is hoping to secure a better deal on its planned multibillion-dollar revamp of the air force combat inventory with the possible purchase of up to 36 new jet fighters.

Officials say a decision on the fighter jet deal is unlikely before next year.

More than two years after Brazil revived its FX-2 program to re-equip the Brazilian air force with next-generation jet fighters, outlook on the Latin American country's purchase plans remains unclear.

A partial acquisition of the 36 fighter jets was to have been completed in 2011 but talks toward a contract were halted during the presidential election in 2010. When President Dilma Rousseff took office in January, her administration cited budgetary constraints and industry sources hinted at differences of opinion within the air force over the choice of the jet.

French jet fighter Rafale was the hot favorite after former French President Nicolas Sarkozy canvassed for manufacturer Dassault Aviation during talks with former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Just before handing power over to Rousseff, Lula postponed a decision on the purchase.

Rafale is in competition with Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet and Swedish manufacturer Saab's Gripen NG.

U.S. President Barack Obama visited Brazil last year and his talks with Rousseau revived support for Boeing. The visit also brought into sharper focus Brazil's insistence on extensive military technology transfers as part of the manufacture, assembly and delivery of any jet fighters to the country.

Brazilian Army orders Elbit unmanned turrets for Guarani vehicles

Elbit Systems Brazilian subsidiary AEL Sistemas has received an initial production contract for the delivery of unmanned turrets for the country's army's VBTP-MR Guarani armoured personnel carrier (APCs).

The $15m deal forms part of a R$440m ($260m) framework contract secured by the company in January 2011 for the supply of 30mm cannon-equipped UT30 BR unmanned turrets to the Brazilian Army's land forces, as part of the Guarani project.

Under the contract terms, the company will supply an unspecified number of unmanned turrets for integration into a batch of Iveco-built 6×6 Guarani vehicles, scheduled for completion in the next two years.

The first UT30 BR turret under the previous contract was received and installed aboard Guarani APC by the army following customer acceptance tests in September 2011, which involved validation of the turret's operational functions, as well as its firing capabilities at static and moving targets.

Featuring a sensor package and a 30mm gun, the UT-30 is a dual-axis stabilised unmanned turret capable of converting an APC into an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) without deck penetration.

Brazilian AF and Embraer Defense and Security conclude the KC-390's PDR

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and Embraer Defense and Security concluded, in August, the preliminary design review of the military transport jet aircraft KC-390 development project. The contractual event, one of the program’s relevant milestones, took place at Embraer facilities in Eugênio de Melo, from August 20th to 29th.

Throughout the event, Embraer presented to the Air Force Command the technical characteristics of the project’s solutions adopted for structural and aircraft systems, including the definitions of the main components and their interfaces, demonstrating that the project has reached its expected maturity at the current phase.

“We are quite pleased with the results and we are sure that the project is on the right track”, said Colonel-Engineer Sergio Carneiro, Project KC-390 Manager at FAB. “We checked all the main aspects of the aircraft’s project and the KC-390 meets the Brazilian Air Force’s expectations.”

Turbomeca Completes 35 Years in Brazil and Expands Its Installations

Brazil, Xerém | Turbomeca do Brasil (Safran group), in Brazil since 1977, celebrates the expansion of its site based in Xerém, Rio de Janeiro State. These new installations will house the new assembly line and tests of the Makila 2 engine and of the Auxiliary Power Unit Saphir 20. These engines and units, designed for both civilian and military EC225/725 helicopters, will be operated for the Brazilian market and more generally Latin America.

A company strengthening their proximity to customers in a growing market These investments in the Rio de Janeiro region meet the Turbomeca commitments in the frame of the contract to acquire 50 EC725 helicopters signed in 2009 by the Brazilian Ministry of Defense.

Russia to Complete Helicopter Gunship Deal to Brazil in 2012

Russia has delivered the next batch of Mi-35M Hind E attack helicopters to Brazil and will complete the contract by the end of the year, a military trade think tank said on Monday.
A total of 12 helicopters are to be delivered under a 2008 contract worth $150 million.

“The latest three machines were delivered on August 29,” said Igor Korotchenko, head of the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Global Arms Trade.
“Brazil will receive the remaining three helicopters before the end of the year and the 2008 contract will be completed.”

Brazil Gets New Helicopters For Anti-Submarine Squadron

The Brazilian Navy on Thursday incorporated first two Seahawk helicopters (MH-16) into the naval force’s First Anti -Submarine Helicopter Squadron.

      The Navy will receive another two Sikorsky choppers later this year and will induct a final two of the same model in 2014.

      The helicopters are fitted with a fuel system that allows 5 hours of uninterrupted flight, and can reach a maximum speed of 160 knots (the equivalent of over 290 km/h) and also equipped with the latest generation sensors, side-firing machine gun, anti-submarine torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.

Brazilian Navy Ocean Patrol Vessel "Amazonas" ready for Ocean Voyage

Amazonas, the first of three BAE Systems built Ocean Patrol Vessels being delivered the Brazilian Navy, departed the UK for Rio de Janeiro on August 9th after her crew completed a rigorous programme of Flag Officer Sea Training with the Royal Navy off the South coast.

Supported by a team from BAE Systems, the crew’s extensive training programme included navigation and duty watch training, as well as development and familiarisation of operational procedures for safety and security in areas including material assessment of the ship, emergency exercises and machinery breakdown drills. The crew also completed boarding operations and anti-piracy exercises and tactics to ensure Amazonas returns to Brazil safely and fully prepared for the demanding operational role ahead.

Brazil Signs Contract for Production of 86 Guarani Armored Vehicles

The Brazilian Army and Iveco signed on Tuesday afternoon the contract for the purchase of 86 VBTP MR wheeled armored personnel carriers, better known as Guarani. The ceremony took place in the Hall of Honor of the Brazilian Ministry of Defense and was attended by Minister Celso Amorim.

The signing takes place four days after publication in the Official Gazette, the authorization to manufacture a batch of experimental evaluation vehicles, Lot Experiment Doctrinal (LED) of the new armored vehicles, which will allow the restructuring of the Brazilian Army's mechanized forces. The overall value of this initial batch is approximately 240 million Brazilian reals.

These 86 vehicles allow Iveco, the prime contractor, to start production, in anticipation of the Army’s planned acquisition of 2,044 vehicles. The initial Guarani vehicles will be used by infantry and cavalry units of the land force, which will carry out operational trials of the product. Eventually, Guarani is expected to be delivered to the Army at a rate of about 100 units per year over the next 20 years.

Brazil postpones indefinitely the purchase of fighter jets

The renewal of the fleet of jets fighting Brazilian wait. The country's government has postponed the purchase of equipment of last generation, citing economic conditions that changed priorities. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the defense minister, Celso Amorim, has nevertheless indicated that the project "Do not litter" and a decision will be taken "appropriate time", that is ie not in the near future. "Today, I'd rather not give a date," he also said the speaker of the U.S. financial daily. In late June, the local press had spread the rumor of a shift schedule.