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, 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.

"I find it impressive," Said Greenert of the Brazilian submarine program. "I find it innovative and I think que le Brazilian navy, the Brazilian government and the defense establishment is very forward looking."Greenert added, "I'm very impressed with the professionalism, the investment of time and people and of the technology."

In honor of Greenert's visit and capabilities as a military demonstration, the Brazilian Navy and Marine Corps amphibious assault Executed a live exercise, a simulated pilot rescue Performed Mission and paraded by marine marine amphibious force at the division headquarters near Rio de Janeiro.

Greenert spoke at a press conference with attached Moura Neto to Discuss his visit, the impact on him it HAD Effective talking with the Brazilian navy's leadership and seeing sailors and marines Their in person."I would put my opinion or my feeling of the Brazilian navy at the very top," Greenert said. "The government and the Brazilian navy Have the best vision for what is the right security in the Atlantic and I would view as the leader em que area."

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
electronic support measures suites and command and control systems, plus updates to its Saab Microwave Systems PS-890 Erieye surveillance radar.

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.

"To maintain a Rafale permanently, we need seven or eight mechanics, explained at the beginning of last year, the former Chief of Staff of the Air, General Jean-Paul Palomeros. For some of our competitors is almost double. maintenance cost of the aircraft is thereby reduced. It was one of the primary criteria in the design of the plane. " Dassault Aviation, explains that the number of mechanics can drop to four.According to experts, the Rafale has a cost of 39,000 euros per flight hour (costs 2006, prior to use new M88-4E). He was, according to the Ministry of Defence, decrease to 10,000 euros per flight hour for the Rafale C and B, and 7,000 euros for the Rafale M in 2012. Is it a simple lack of explanation? Possible."The rivals Dassault Aviation seems much he criticized the Rafale in the folder that angle, it says. Dassault to better communicate maintenance costs and costs per flight hour."

The Rafale has real assets

In addition to its technological lead over its rivals, the Rafale is again supported by an enabling environment between France and Brazil. The visit to Paris two days of Dilma Rousseff has been very positive, and contact with François Hollande went well. Brasilia guard preference geopolitical Paris, solidarity between playing middle powers fully. In addition, Brazil is very satisfied with its cooperation with France in the naval field. "It was not a foregone conclusion", says one in "La Tribune". DCNS naval group did a good job under the contract Prosub (sale of submarines) that works well. "It helps France," notes one does. Which is a guarantee of reliability for the Rafale for which significant transfers of technology are planned. And exclusive negotiations between Dassault Aviation and India are followed closely by a Brazilian team.Finally, there is a compatibility between the Brazilian aircraft carrier (the Sao Paulo, former Foch) and Charles de Gaulle. Hence the attractiveness of the Rafale to Brazil, including its marine version that might interest strongly Brasilia if Brazil adopts a new aircraft carriers with catapults. That would play out the Gripen NG (Saab) ... but not the F/A-18 Hornet (Boeing).

Reluctance must still be overcome. Besides the problem of the cost of maintaining the Rafale deal with its rivals, Paris must convince the principal Brazilian aircraft industry, Embraer looks for the Gripen. Just as industrial Sao Paulo, all attracted by the growth potential of the Swedish aircraft. "Everything depends on the quality of technology transfer imposed by the United States, the Gripen using many U.S. components," says one in Paris. But "the relationship with Embraer is strategically very important," recalls the connoisseur of Brazil. And the French start with a handicap. "Embraer has been underestimated by the French when they were shareholders of the Brazilian group (20% Safran, Dassault Aviation, EADS and Thales, ed), says one. He was not treated as a true partner. Brazilians had the impression that the French simply wanted control Embraer for better control. " And remember that Embraer is a competitor of Dassault Aviation business jet. "However, Boeing was much more of a partner," says one. The two companies have signed a partnership program of Brazilian lightweight fighter, Super Tucano.

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.

A full ASTROS system includes one battalion level command vehicle in charge of three batteries, fire control vehicles, rocket launchers, ammunition resupply vehicles, recovery vehicles and a mobile weather station.
The vehicles are usually transported in a C-130 vehicle but Brazil's Embraer aircraft maker is also developing a tactical military transport aircraft that hopes to compete with the Hercules as well as rivals from Europe, Russia and Israel.
China and Turkey have jointly developed 302mm T-300 Kasirga Hurricane which is said to be similar to China's Weishi Guardian WS-1 rockets.
Brazil's defense revival has seen a hard fight to claw back market share when its Engesa S.A. filed for bankruptcy in 1993 after Avibras applied for bankruptcy protection in 2008 but was rescued with government funding.
As part of the support incentives, the Defense Ministry in August announced financing of $760 million from its Growth Acceleration Program. At least 30 Astros and associated vehicles are likely to be part of that acquisition.

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.

Featuring a modular, open design, the ADAMS is a fully digital, secure audio management system designed for routing and distribution of audio and data between aircrew and the aircraft communication data and recording systems.

The commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) systems can address specific requirements of advanced large crew aircraft, such as commercial airliners, transportation, tanker and mission applications.

The night vision goggles-compatible system supports up to 20 full capability users, eight intercom only users, 16 radios and 31 receivers, six recording outputs, discrete lines and several internal intercom networks.

Manufactured by Embraer, the P-95A is a twin-engine derivative of EMB-110 Bandeirantev light transport aircraft, and is also operational with Chile and Gabon air forces.

The aircraft was also leased and operated by the Argentine Navy during the Falklands war in 1982.

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.

These heavy vehicles will be all-weather and all-terrain vehicles. According to a source, the terrain in and around countries like Peru, Brazil, Columbia and Equador is such that heavy vehicles are required, because of which this is being seen as a win-win situation for both nations. Partnership is still unclear, but most probably a private company from Brazil will enter into partnership with Ashok Leyland for assembling the 4 into 4 truck, which has automatic integral power steering. The truck with an overall height of 3000 mm has a rear and pneumatic brake at the front, and a fully floating steerable driven axle. Powered by a maximum speed of 85 kmph, it can carry a payload of 5000 kg. With an overall width of 2500 mm and length of 7395 mm, the truck has an angle of approach of 35 degrees.

Still in the initial stages, the deal is yet to be finalised but is being looked at very seriously by Brazil. The numbers are not yet known as to how many of these would be required by Brazil and other countries.

Apart from Stallion Ashok Leyland also makes other models like the Colt and Super Stallion for defence purposes, along with which serve as Rapid Intervention Vehicles, Field Artillery Tractors, Water Bowsers, Truck Fire Fighters etc. for the Indian armed forces, to meet their mobility and logistic needs.

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.”

The A-Darter is a fifth-generation infrared (IR) homing air to air missile (AAM), being jointly developed by South Africa and Brazil under the leadership of Denel Dynamics, which is the missiles and unmanned air vehicles business of the State-owned Denel defence industrial group. Although classified as short-range, it has a longer range than most missiles in its category.
In addition to the air force, the Brazilian partners in the programme are missile company Mectron (developer of the MAA-1 and MAA-1B Piranha IR-homing AAMs, the MAR-1 anti- radar missile and the MSS-1.2 anti-armour missile), Avibrás (best known for its surface to surface bombardment rockets) and optronics and electronics company Opto Eletrônica.
There are 25 Brazilians working on the A-Darter in South Africa, of which 14 are air force personnel (from the Aerospace Science and Technology Department) and 11 from the three companies, but hundreds more are directly and indirectly working on the programme in Brazil.
“We’ve made a lot of progress in developing the A-Darter,” reports Malta. “It’s a successful project for both countries.” The start of production of the new missile is foreseen for 2014 or 2015, and, since the beginning of the project, it has been the intent to have two production lines, one in each country.
In South Africa, the A-Darter has already been integrated on to the South African Air Force’s Saab Gripen fighters and is also being integrated on to its BAE Systems Hawk fighter-trainers. Integration of the missile on Brazilian Air Force fighters will take place in Brazil, with the support of Denel Dynamics, which is the design authority.
The programme is reviewed by regular bilateral contractual meetings which take place twice a year, alternating between South Africa and Brazil. The most recent meeting, in September, was in South Africa. These meetings are attended by both technical personnel and logistics personnel from both countries.
The Brazilian delegation comes from the air force agency that manages the programme on behalf of the South American country, the Combat Aircraft Programme Coordinating Commission (abbreviated to Copac in Portuguese), and is normally headed by the head of the commission. However, the dele- gation to the latest meeting was headed by the number two man in the Brazilian Air Force, the chief of the Air General Staff, Air Lieutenant Brigadier (equivalent to General in South Africa) Aprígio Eduardo de Moura Azevedo.
He was head of Copac when the A-Darter joint development project had been established and he had signed the programme agreement on behalf of the Brazilian Air Force. His presence was an expression of his continuing interest in the programme.