Brazilian Army Considers Acquiring High-Altitude Air Defense Systems.

On June 21, 2024, the Brazilian Army issued Ordinance EME/C Ex. No. 1.338/2024, which authorizes the launch of the Medium/High Altitude Air Defense Artillery System Project (Pjt Sis AAAe Me Altu/G Altu). This initiative is part of the Army's Strategic Program for Air Defense (Prg EE DAAe).
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U.S. Patriot surface-to-air missile system. (Picture source: US DoD)

This announcement surprised the Brazilian defense market. Until now, it was assumed that the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) would be responsible for high-altitude air defense systems, with the Army focusing only on short and medium-range defense projects.

A Feasibility Study (EV) for the project must be presented to the Chief of Staff of the Army (EME), General Richard Fernandez Nunes, within 90 days. Article 2 of the Ordinance specifies the team responsible for conducting the study, including representatives from the Army Staff (EME), the Logistics Command (COLOG), the Land Operations Command (COTER), the Department of Science and Technology (DCT), the Department of Engineering and Construction (DEC), the Department of Education and Culture of the Army (DECEx), and the Southeast Military Command (CMSE).

In November 2023, the Brazilian Army issued a Request for Quote (RFQ) to investigate the prices of medium-altitude air defense systems available in national and international markets. A second RFQ was published in February 2024 to gather additional information.

During a public hearing of the Commission on Foreign Relations and National Defense (CREDN) at the Chamber of Deputies in April, Army Commander General Tomás Miguel Paiva expressed concern about the lack of medium and high-altitude air defense systems in the country.

In his initial remarks to the CREDN, he stated that Brazil is "relatively protected" up to 3,000 meters but lacks more advanced technologies to protect the national territory. He then suggested to the deputies that he planned to propose to the Ministry of Defense a government-to-government agreement with India for the acquisition of the medium-range Akash anti-aircraft missile.

Next month, the Army Commander will undertake a ten-day official visit to China to assess the capabilities of the local defense industry and explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation within the framework of the Army's strategic programs. An Army delegation visited China in the second half of last year. During this visit, the group attended a live-fire demonstration of the DK-10 medium-altitude surface-to-air missile system—also known as the Sky Dragon 50 or Tianlong-50—and the SH15 self-propelled howitzer, both manufactured by the state-owned China North Industries Corporation.

In a recent interview, General Tomás Miguel Paiva, who also officially visited India in the past, advocated for a strategic and pragmatic approach to Brazil's engagement with BRICS countries, arguing that the nation should not "be influenced by ideological polarization."