Brazil opens negotiations for European EMADS air defense missile system to close defense gap.

According to CNN Brasil on July 7, 2025, Brazil has terminated its ongoing negotiations with India for the purchase of the Akash surface-to-air missile system and has initiated formal discussions with Italy regarding the acquisition of the Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions (EMADS) system, developed by MBDA in cooperation with Leonardo.
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The EMADS acquisition could address the operational need for interception capabilities above 3,000 meters, something that current systems in the Brazilian Army's inventory are not capable of achieving. (Picture source: MBDA)

This decision follows months of evaluation and internal deliberation within the Brazilian Armed Forces. The shift in procurement approach is connected to the Strategic Air Defence Program of the Brazilian Army and addresses the operational need for interception capabilities above 3,000 meters, something that current systems in the Army's inventory are not capable of achieving. The EMADS acquisition is expected to reach a value of up to R$5 billion (US$915 million), and its consideration is also shaped by the broader strategic environment, including increased conflict activity worldwide and regional concerns in Latin America, especially related to the northern border areas with Venezuela and Guyana.

The initial talks with India centered on the medium- and long-range Akash missile system, produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), which had been regarded as a potential solution for Brazil’s air defense modernization efforts. However, the Brazilian Army concluded that the Indian side was unwilling to provide the latest version of the Akash system, which includes enhancements based on Israeli technology. Indian firms insisted on offering an older version that relies solely on Indian intellectual property. According to information confirmed by military sources to CNN Brasil, the older variant did not meet the Brazilian Army's technical and operational expectations. These limitations in capability and the absence of Israeli-developed enhancements were the main reasons for halting the procurement process. Although the formal negotiations were suspended, diplomatic discussions between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS summit may still lead to future reengagement on the matter, though no such talks are scheduled at this stage.

Following the breakdown of the Akash negotiations, the Brazilian Army reoriented its procurement evaluation and formally opened discussions with Italy for the EMADS air defense system. This system is based on the CAMM (Common Anti-Air Modular Missile) and CAMM-ER (Extended Range) missile families, both of which employ active radar seekers, soft vertical launch technology, and thrust vector control. The CAMM has a range of over 25 kilometers, while CAMM-ER extends that range to over 45 kilometers and can engage targets up to 20 kilometers in altitude. Both missiles are designed to intercept a wide range of aerial threats and support full 360-degree coverage. EMADS offers modularity and mobility and is capable of being integrated with Brazilian radar and command-and-control systems. In particular, integration with the Brazilian-developed Saber M200 Vigilante radar and the Italian Kronos Grand Mobile High Power AESA radar is being considered. The EMADS system can be deployed in standalone mode or as part of a wider national air defense network. It is also compatible with mobile and fixed configurations and uses compact launcher units that are capable of rapid redeployment.

In early July 2025, a high-level Brazilian Army delegation traveled to Italy to observe a live demonstration of EMADS and its variants, including the MAADS and GRIFO systems. The delegation included representatives from the Army’s Air Defence Command (Cmdo DAAe), the General Staff (EME), the Logistics Command (COLOG), and the Department of Science and Technology (DCT). The assessment mission was carried out in the framework of the Strategic Air Defence Program, which was established under Ordinance No. 1,338/2024. This ordinance authorizes the Army to develop and procure medium- and high-altitude air defense systems, expanding its role beyond the traditional scope assigned to the Air Force. The Army had previously reviewed a range of systems, including the Israeli Spyder, Chinese Sky Dragon 50, Norwegian NASAMS, German IRIS-T SLM, and Israeli Barak. After technical and operational analysis, EMADS has emerged as the preferred option due to its range, engagement envelope, compatibility with planned Navy systems, and the potential for domestic industrial cooperation with MBDA and Leonardo.

One of the main factors influencing the preference for EMADS is the convergence between the Army and Navy’s missile system requirements. The Brazilian Navy is already acquiring the Sea Ceptor system, which is based on the CAMM missile, for its Tamandaré-class frigates under construction in Itajaí, Santa Catarina. This convergence is expected to generate operational benefits in logistics, training, maintenance, and system support, and could lower lifecycle costs by standardizing missiles across multiple branches. A joint Army–Navy solution would also simplify procurement and could increase the viability of a domestic assembly or production line for CAMM or CAMM-ER missiles. Discussions are underway regarding the extent of potential industrial participation, with an emphasis on maximizing technology transfer and the long-term sustainability of the system within Brazil’s defense infrastructure. The EMADS modular architecture is also compatible with Brazil’s interest in gradually building a layered defense system incorporating command, control, and radar assets from both national and international sources.

The ongoing discussions with Italy may also include Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft as part of a broader bilateral defense package. A similar approach had been pursued with India, but the earlier proposed package, which would have linked Akash systems and KC-390 aircraft, failed when Indian firms declined to offer the updated missile variant. The current talks with Italy are not formally tied to a KC-390 acquisition, but Brazilian officials see a possible opportunity to link both programs under a government-to-government framework. The presence of Embraer President Francisco Gomes Neto at the BRICS summit underlined the Brazilian aerospace firm’s intention to expand its international defense partnerships. Italy, already familiar with Embraer products, is seen as a potential operator of the KC-390, particularly as its requirements evolve following participation in European and NATO missions. Even if the aircraft is not part of the initial EMADS agreement, the defense relationship between Brazil and Italy could expand further in parallel negotiations.

The Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions (EMADS) air defense system employs a fully networked architecture that allows it to operate with external sensors and C4I systems. The system supports engagement of targets beyond the line of sight and includes features such as sealed canisters for long-term missile storage, rapid reload systems, and autonomous launcher deployment. Each launcher can carry multiple CAMM or CAMM-ER interceptors and can fire in rapid succession against different types of aerial threats. Its ability to operate in various terrains, including forested and urban areas, aligns with Brazil’s requirement for a flexible and deployable air defense solution. The system also benefits from a low logistical footprint and reduced crew requirements. These attributes are in line with the Army’s operational needs and the geography of the country, which demands mobility and adaptability across multiple operational theaters. EMADS has been adopted by several NATO countries, including the UK and Italy, and has also been selected by Poland, suggesting a level of international validation in operational conditions.

Brazil’s evaluation of EMADS and its eventual acquisition would represent a shift in the country’s defense posture, moving toward standardized, interoperable, and modern air defense systems. This shift also reflects a rebalancing of international procurement priorities, showing a willingness to prioritize technical and operational performance over political alignments. The Brazilian Armed Forces have identified air defense as a strategic gap in national security planning, particularly in light of the growing threat posed by long-range precision munitions, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial systems. Recent conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East, have highlighted the need for responsive, multi-layered defense systems. By investing in EMADS, Brazil seeks not only to address its current capability shortfalls but also to develop a scalable platform that could be expanded or upgraded in the future. This acquisition could also facilitate future regional defense cooperation, as other countries in South America may consider similar platforms for their own modernization efforts.