Brazil has begun negotiations with Italy to acquire a new air defense system for the Army. The information is from CNN Brazil, which indicates a value of up to 786 million euros, around R$ 5 billion.
Previously, the Brazilian Army considered buying the Indian Akash medium- and long-range system to protect airspace against aircraft, drones and cruise missiles. However, the talks did not progress and remain frozen, according to Army officials.
The topic may still come up at the meeting between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scheduled for Tuesday (8), in Brasília, during the BRICS meeting.
Military sources said the standoff occurred because Indian companies wanted to sell an old version of the Akash to Brazil. The manufacturers are Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics (BEL).
In light of this, Brazil turned to Italy. The goal now is to acquire the Emads system, from the company Mbda, with participation from Leonardo. It is the same model of surface-to-air missiles chosen by the Navy for the new Tamandaré-class frigates.
For the Army, the use of Emads can facilitate logistical support, training and infrastructure. In addition, it can pave the way for the national production of missiles in partnership with the Italians.
