RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 20 (UPI)

Defense manufacturers in Brazil and Chile face new competition from China's rapidly developing aviation and arms industries, showcased at the Zhuhai International Air Show.

The air show surprised Western military analysts with the diversity and variety of Chinese defense products that are destined for international markets at competitive prices.

Chinese arms manufacturers also demonstrated they had honed skills and removed elements that earned them notoriety for substandard production and unreliability, observers at the air show said.

The Zhuhai air show in China's southern Guangdong province ran Nov.13-18.

The appearance of a new, stronger Chinese presence was seen by Brazilian and Chilean exhibitors as an open challenge as China mounts a global marketing drive to find customers for its wares.

The air show was "full of surprises," DefenseNews.com said on its website. It said the show revealed to Western visitors "a variety of new weapon systems and international arms deals."

The Chinese Morning Whistle website said the show ended with "record deals" worth $11.8 billion.

The two main Latin American exhibitors, Brazil and Chile, didn't immediately report their reaction to the show's outcome. Brazil was represented by aircraft manufacturer Embraer and Chile sent representatives from its own annual defense show.

Defense manufacturers and arms dealers from across Latin America attended in small numbers.

China has been pushing its military hardware in Latin America in direct competition with Russia, France and Germany, the three major players who have sought to fill the vacuum created by the United States' long absence from the scene.

Although recent U.S. administration efforts have tried to reverse the trend, both U.S. officials and defense businesses are up against rivals who are willing to offer their weapons systems at discounted rates and easy payment terms.

Chinese defense manufacturers are keen to establish their military wares' reputation after many years of bad publicity caused by poor performance of previously supplied Chinese equipment.

The current focus of Chinese manufacturers is on targeting less developed countries that want to have new military equipment but do not have the resources to afford it. Chinese firms are keen to find customers and offer them special rates, industry sources said.

The Zhuhai air show, seen by China as its most important platform for showing off military and civilian aircraft technologies, attracted about 650 aviation and aerospace manufacturers from more than 35 countries, but China revealed many new brands in its displays.

The Aviation Industry Corp. of China revealed its supersonic L-15 Hunting Eagle advanced jet trainers.

Chinese manufacturers are also aiming to replace engines based on Russian and Ukrainian models that will give them an edge over rivals. AVIC has said it plans to develop the L-15 into a target drone, DefenseNews.com said.

AVIC's Guizhou Aircraft Co. showed off a modified FTC-2000 light multipurpose jet trainer that seems likely to compete with Embraer models that are trying to capture international markets from U.S. and European manufacturers.

Guizhou also displayed a new model for Harrier III unmanned aerial vehicle which can cruise for up to 24 hours.

The market for unmanned aerial vehicles and aerial systems is set to expand across Latin America. Several nations other than Brazil and Chile are exploring ways of producing their own UAVs as a substitute for fighter or surveillance aircraft they can't afford to buy.

This is an area where China aims to find customers with its own competitively priced hardware.

The Boeing Co., which set up aviation and defense technology partnerships in Brazil, is hoping to expand its role in the region but competition is getting tougher, analysts said.

17th Nov 2012 SUMAN SHARMA  sunday-guardian.com

New Delhi | 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.

Y-8 of the Myanmar Air Force

MEXICO, 16 novembre - RIA Novosti

Le premier lot d'avions de transport militaire Shaanxi Y-8 de fabrication chinoise est arrivé au Venezuela, a déclaré le président du pays latino-américain Hugo Chavez cité vendredi par les médias locaux.

"Ils ont traversé l'Afrique et le Brésil pour atterrir dans sur la base aérienne Libertador de Maracay (nord)", a fait savoir le leader vénézuélien.

Le Shaanxi Y-8 est une adaptation de l'avion Antonov An-12, fabriqué en Union soviétique. Caracas et Pékin ont conclu le contrat pour l'achat de huit de ces appareils au début de l'année 2011.

Selon le ministre vénézuélien des Communications et de l'Information Ernesto Villegas, les avions achetés par Caracas ne font pas partie de l'arsenal offensif et seront utilisés pour le transport de passagers et de cargaisons à l'intérieur du pays, y compris à des fins civiles.

La coopération technico-militaire entre le Venezuela et la Chine se développe de façon dynamique. L'été dernier, Caracas a annoncé un achat d'armes chinoises pour un montant total de 500 millions de dollars en vue d'équiper la marine nationale.

LONDRES, 14 nov 2012 marine-oceans.com (AFP)

Le groupe de défense britannique BAE Systems a annoncé mercredi avoir réglé à l'amiable un contentieux qui l'opposait depuis deux ans au gouvernement de la Trinité-et-Tobago, à la suite de l'annulation d'une commande de trois navires patrouilleurs.

"Le règlement avec le gouvernement de la Trinité-et-Tobago est en ligne avec les provisions qui ont été prises", indique le numéro un européen de la défense dans un communiqué.

BAE Systems avait provisionné 100 millions de livres en 2010 à la suite de l'annulation de la commande par les autorités de l'ancienne colonie britannique des Caraïbes. Le contrat avait été signé en 2007 avec le précédent gouvernement, ensuite évincé du pouvoir lors d'élections législatives anticipées.

Les trois patrouilleurs ont finalement été vendus à la marine brésilienne dans le cadre d'une commande signée en décembre 2011. Le premier navire a été livré en juin dernier.

Nov 9, 2012 ASDNews Source : COMSOFT

    FT Automacao Industrial selected COMSOFT to undertake the installation of their new Surveillance Data Distribution System SDDSNG in the Amazon area.

The German ATC supplier recently has been awarded a contract to provide FAB (Força Aérea Brasileira) with its SDDS-NG at 22 locations. Predecessor of this new generation of surveillance data distribution is RMCDS, one of COMSOFT's core products and a platform of several surveillance networks for various ANSPs. The systems are currently deployed at their destination sites and are scheduled to be operational upon completion of all required tests.

Like RMCDS, SDDS-NG is a powerful ASTERIX engine for the exchange, conversion, filtering and distribution of any kind of surveillance data - but evolved from scratch using state-of-the-art design and development tools while incorporating all valid safety- and quality standards as well as imminent requirements in the development process of the past years.

Besides the exchange, verification and distribution of surveillance data, the systems to be installed in Brazil will act as communication gateways between different types of protocols. SDDS-NG ensures the provision of surveillance data from radar sensors of different generations and manufacturers to the data processing systems in a redundant way. The original data will be generated according to the latest ASTERIX standard and enriched by additional information. Furthermore the systems have the potential to allow for further functionalities in the field of surveillance such as ADS-B or WAM.

09/11/2012 Margaux Thuriot – ministère de la Défense

Le ministre de la Défense s’est rendu au Brésil les 4 et 5 novembre 2012. Ce voyage a été l’occasion pour Jean-Yves Le Drian de constater la réalité du partenariat stratégique qui lie la France et le Brésil. Il a également rencontré son homologue, Celso Amorim.

Jean-Yves Le Drian était au Brésil les 4 et 5 novembre 2012, pour une visite qui s’est déroulée en trois temps. La France est le principal partenaire européen du Brésil en matière de défense et cette visite a permis au ministre d’apprécier les illustrations concrètes de la coopération qui lie les deux pays.

Dimanche 4 novembre, le ministre a rencontré les grands industriels français installés au Brésil. Dans le cadre du partenariat stratégique mis en placeen 2008 entre la France et le Brésil, différents programmes ont été lancés, notamment dans le domaine naval, avec la construction de quatre sous-marins Scorpène, fruit d’un partenariat entre le groupe français DCNS et la société brésilienne Sepetiba/Odebrecht. Egalement dans le domaine aérien, avec des hélicoptères de transport EC-725, par le biais de l’entreprise brésilienne HELIBRAS, dont EADS est actionnaire majoritaire.

Le ministre de la Défense a poursuivi sa visite par un entretien suivi d’un déjeuner de travail avec son homologue Celso Amorim, lundi 5 novembre. Cette rencontre fait suite à celle du 9 juillet dernier entre les deux ministres et marque un point d’étape important avant la venue de la présidente brésilienne Dilma Roussef en France, prévue au mois de décembre.

Parmi les sujets abordés par Jean-Yves Le Drian et Celso Amorim, les enjeux sécuritaires, qui constituent un aspect majeur de la coopération militaire bilatérale. Ils ont notamment évoqué la lutte contre le narcotrafic dans les Caraïbes, la coopération sur la sécurité en Afrique occidentale et dans le golfe de Guinée, les besoins sécuritaires dans l’Atlantique-Sud et sur la frontière guyanaise. Dans cette zone frontalière, la coopération franco-brésilienne concerne en particulier la surveillance des frontières communes et la lutte contre la pêche illicite et l’orpaillage clandestin.

Plus largement, le ministre de la Défense a exprimé son attachement à la relation de concertation qui caractérise la France et le Brésil sur les sujets de politique internationale. Il a par ailleurs réaffirmé son soutien à la candidature brésilienne à un siège permanent au Conseil de Sécurité des Nations Unies.

Visite de la future base de sous-marin à Itaguai.

Autre point fort de la visite ministérielle au Brésil : la visite en « avant-première » de la base et du chantier naval d’Itaguai, avant son inauguration officielle. Ce projet est l’illustration du partenariat franco-brésilien dans le domaine naval et s’inscrit dans le cadre du développement des transferts de technologie. La livraison des sous-marins Scorpène est ainsi associée à une prestation de soutien et à la construction d’une infrastructure base navale/chantier naval par le français DCNS en partenariat avec le brésilien Sepetiba/Odebrecht.

Ce projet a été lancé en 2009, avec la signature du contrat PROSUB entre DCNS et la marine brésilienne. Il est l’une des illustrations majeures du partenariat stratégique entre la France et le Brésil. La volonté des deux pays est de le maintenir dans la durée. « Je suis porteur d’un message de continuité. C’est l’intérêt de la France et celui du Brésil. Poursuivons dans d’autres domaines cette logique de partenariat exceptionnel qui nous lie », a ainsi déclaré Jean-Yves Le Drian.

06-11-2012 Par Challenges.fr (Avec AFP)

L'avion de Dassault est en lice pour un appel d'offre de l'armée brésilienne portant sur l'achat de 36 avions de combat, d'un montant de plus de 4 milliards d'euros.

A un mois de la visite de Dilma Rousseff à Paris, le ministre français de la Défense a plaidé lundi 5 novembre au Brésil pour un renforcement du partenariat stratégique entre les deux pays, mais le contrat pour lequel le Rafale est en lice n'est pas encore mûr, a souligné Brasilia.

"Il n'y a pas de sujets tabous. Pour nous, c'est une discussion dont les éléments sont sur la table et qui donnera lieu à une décision du Brésil en temps voulu", a déclaré à la presse le ministre brésilien de la Défense Celso Amorim, à l'issue d'un déjeuner de travail avec son homologue français Jean-Yves Le Drian, à Brasilia.

La France est en lice pour un appel d'offre de l'armée brésilienne portant sur l'achat de 36 avions de combat, d'un montant de plus de 4 milliards d'euros. Le Rafale de l'avionneur français Dassault est en compétition avec le F/A-18 Super Hornet de l'Américain Boeing et le Gripen NG du suédois Saab.

Des transferts de technologie pour remporter le marché

Paris table sur sa promesse d'effectuer d'importants transferts de technologie au Brésil pour remporter ce marché malgré le coût élevé du Rafale.

L'ancien président Lula Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2010), avait publiquement exprimé sa préférence pour l'appareil de combat français. Mais depuis l'accession au pouvoir de Dilma Rousseff, qui effectuera une visite d'Etat en France début décembre, Brasilia a repoussé de mois en mois sa décision.

Le Brésil a fait savoir récemment que rien ne serait décidé avant 2013, alors que la sixième économie mondiale est confrontée à une croissance en berne depuis 2011.

Négociations exclusives avec l'Inde

L'Inde a annoncé en février qu'elle ouvrait des négociations exclusives avec Dassault pour l'achat de 126 Rafale, un méga-contrat de 12 milliards de dollars, marquant le premier succès à l'exportation de l'avion français.

Jean-Yves Le Drian s'est déclaré "porteur d'un message de continuité" du partenariat stratégique scellé entre les deux pays sous le mandat du président de droite Nicolas Sarkozy. "C'est l'intérêt de la France et celui du Brésil".

Le groupe français de construction navale DCNS a signé en 2009 un contrat de 6,7 milliards d'euros sur la construction en partenariat avec la marine brésilienne de cinq sous-marins, dont un sous-marin nucléaire d'attaque (SNA).

Un autre important contrat, signé en 2008, porte sur la production par Helibras, filiale brésilienne d'Eurocopter, de 50 hélicoptères militaires de transport EC725 (Caracal), qui seront fabriqués au Brésil.

4 sous-marins Scorpène construits au Brésil

Après sa rencontre avec Celso Amorim, le ministre français s'est rendu à la future base navale d'Itiguai, à une centaine de kilomètres de Rio, qui sera inaugurée le mois prochain et où sera assemblé le premier sous-marin Scorpène français vendu au Brésil.

Les quatre autres exemplaires seront entièrement construits au Brésil. Le dernier incorporera de la technologie brésilienne de propulsion nucléaire, ont expliqué les deux ministres.

"Poursuivons dans d'autres domaines cette logique de partenariat exceptionnel qui nous lie", a déclaré Jean-Yves Le Drian.

"Cette visite marque une étape importante entre le sommet Rio + 20" de juin --au cours de laquelle le président socialiste français François Hollande avait rencontré son homologue brésilienne Dilma Rousseff--, et la visite d'Etat attendue de Mme Rousseff en décembre à Paris", a-t-il souligné.

Le ministre français, un proche de François Hollande, a notamment "réitéré son soutien à la candidature du Brésil comme membre permanent du conseil de sécurité de l'ONU", une revendication pressante de Brasilia.

October 30, 2012 defpro.com

Safran was selected by the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to supply the electrical power distribution and back-up power generation systems on its new KC-390 military transport aircraft. This represents a real challenge for the electrical energy system specialist, which has broadened its field of expertise for the requirements of this program. It marks yet another step towards “more electric” aircraft.

It is no coincidence that Hispano-Suiza (Safran) is working on the KC-390. Two key factors played their role: firstly, Embraer was interested in working with new suppliers in the field of electrical power generation and distribution and, secondly, Hispano-Suiza responded to this requirement by putting forward an innovative range, through the Safran Power division. The contract was officially announced in November 2011 and includes the supply of the primary and secondary electrical distribution systems as well as the RAT (Ram Air Turbine), a back-up electrical generation system.

INCREASINGLY ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT

The primary electrical power distribution system (PEPDS) is the heart of an aircraft’s electrical system. It encompasses the energy generated by all power sources on the aircraft and ensures that this energy is available for all aircraft systems by intelligently managing the network. The secondary power distribution system (SPDS) provides electrical power for equipment that can be turned on or off as need according to the flight phase, such as interior/exterior lighting and the cabin air management system. For these two systems, Hispano-Suiza is working with Safran Electronics for the electronic circuit boards, and Labinal (Safran) for the design and manufacture of electronic boxes. As regards the RAT*, "this system was listed in Safran’s product catalog, but we were able to incorporate it thanks to the acquisition of Aerosource, which provided us with an off-the-shelf product. This enabled us to offer an adapted, competitive solution to Embraer," said Jérôme Tourdiat, the KC-390 Program Manager at Hispano-Suiza.

A TIGHT SCHEDULE

The thing that tipped the balance in Hispano-Suiza’s favor, on top of their ability to adjust the system design as the program evolves, was the use of an integration test bench capable of simulating all the equipment operations. "This tool will allow us to test the complete electrical energy system, comprising power generation, primary and secondary distribution and usage. The tool will be used for part of the certification tests which are normally carried out by the aircraft manufacturer," explained Jérôme Tourdiat. This contract represents a major challenge for Hispano-Suiza, since it involves significantly stepping up expertise and capacity, while meeting a tight schedule. At the beginning of the year, the company recruited staff with the requisite skills to meets these new requirements. The preliminary design review took place in June; it will be followed by the detailed review scheduled for the beginning of next year, with the delivery of the first prototype planned for the end of 2013.

THE STRENGTH OF THE GROUP

Other Safran companies are also working on the KC-390: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty was selected for the brakes and landing gear and Sagem for the horizontal stabilizer trim control system**. The three companies and Safran’s Director of Programs for Brazil convened once a month to discuss their work with Embraer. "These meetings enable us to gain a better understanding of the customer’s expectations. Despite the distance separating us, we have a very productive relationship with the customer. Discussions are quite open, so we can always find a common ground in order to move forward, find joint solutions and keep the schedule on track."

____

*Located at the nose of the aircraft, this system is deployed in the event of an electrical failure and operates like a wind turbine.

** The horizontal stabilizer trim control system enables the pilot to control the horizontal stabilizer trim as efficiently as possible to keep the aircraft’s attitude stable, while also minimizing the aerodynamic control forces to fly the plane.

October 26, 2012 defpro.com

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and Embraer have reduced contract costs of developing the KC-390 aircraft by about USD 42 million, after a reassessment of the contract held on October 19.

This reduction was only possible thanks to the joint efforts of the Coordinating Committee for Combat Aircraft (COPAC) of FAB and Embraer, which, through the Program Executive of the KC-X Project, conducted analyzes and used modern management tools to good effect.

To formalize this reduction by the signature of a new contract amendment, the President of the COPAC, Air Brigadier Carlos Baptista de Almeida Junior, and the Vice President of Operations of Embraer Defense and Security, Eduardo Bonini Santos Pinto, confirmed the existing partnership between the Air Force and the Brazil’s aerospace industry.

This partnership has, since the beginning of national aviation, contributed to the creation of new technologies and jobs, and to the development Brazil.

(Issued in Portuguese only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)

24.10.2012 Elbit - army-guide.com

Haifa, Israel -- Elbit Systems Ltd. ("Elbit Systems") announced today that Ares Aeroespacial e Defesa S.A. ("Ares"), its Brazilian subsidiary, was awarded an initial production order valued at approximately $25 million to supply 12.7/7.62mm Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS) to the Brazilian Army. The RCWS, named REMAX, a unique development of Ares, will be supplied within two years.

Specifically designed to meet Brazilian Army requirements as part of the VBTP program, Ares' REMAX have already been successfully tested. REMAX, is a stabilized weapon station for 12.7/7.62mm machine guns and will be used in armored vehicles for troop transport and in armored platforms that include logistics vehicles utilized in combat, border patrol and peace keeping missions.

This award marks the second contract award in approximately a month of Elbit Systems in Brazil, following the September 13, 2012 Elbit Systems announcement regarding a $15 million initial production order awarded to AEL Sistemas S.A, another Elbit Systems subsidiary in Brazil, to supply Unmanned Turrets to the Brazilian Army.

SANTIAGO, Chile, Oct. 23 (UPI)

International suppliers for the world's naval fleets have set sights on Central and South America and the Caribbean as the next growth area for naval procurement and refurbishment contracts.

The optimism is shared by regional shipyard and naval industries that are attending this week's Euronaval defense show in Paris in a bid to clinch new international partnerships.

The high-profile event is backed by the French Ministry of Defense and the French Secretariat of State for the Sea.

France is competing with international rivals to expand its naval manufacturing sales in Latin America after the launch of its joint submarine manufacture program with Brazil.

Brazil embarked on a multibillion-dollar regeneration of its shipbuilding capacity, neglected in the first two decades after return to democratic rule in 1985.

Argentina, Chile and Colombia have taken measures to build their shipbuilding and component making capacity while looking for new trade partners in this neglected sector of the Latin American defense industry.

This year's Euronaval has hundreds of participants from Latin American governments and defense businesses that want to capitalize on the revived interest in naval development and procurement.

Brazilian company Atrasorb showed off its specialist work on submarines, special purpose naval craft and ships and diving craft at the Parisian defense show.

Brazilian naval builder and service provider Emgepron hopes to build partnerships in warship construction, ship repairs and cartography.

Another Brazilian defense company, Estaleiro Eisa-Synergy Defense e Seguranca, is hoping to build new international business in surveillance ships, patrol craft and cargo ships and shipbuilding and repairs.

Major defense producer Odebrecht is looking to expand markets for its sea-to-sea and surface-to-surface missiles, command and control systems and data processing equipment.

The Chilean Defense Industry Asmar aims to secure international shipbuilding and repairs contracts from naval forces and maritime and fishing industries operating along the Latin American west coast.

Colombian shipbuilder Cotecmar has aroused investor interest because of its recent achievements in ocean-going and river vessels. Located in the port of Cartagena, just 180 miles of the Panama Canal, the shipyard boasts easy access from the most important maritime routes of the Caribbean Sea, a plus for new shipbuilding and repairs business.

Cotecmar built and launched Dona Clary, the first tugboat built in Colombia, to serve the country's offshore oil industry.

Cotecmar says the vessel is the first of its kind built in the world, "the result of a special design to support oil tanker loading operations and maritime infrastructure maintenance carried out in this specific case, in the Gulf of Morrosquillo," in the Caribbean Sea.

October 22, 2012 defpro.com (RIA Novosti)

MEXICO CITY | Four Mil Mi-25 Hind D attack helicopters, modernized in Russia, have joined the Peruvian Air Force to boost its combat capability in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking.

The choppers have been assembled in Peru by Russian specialists after their transfer from Russia. They are part of a $20-million upgrade deal involving seven Mi-25s, whose service life has been extended by seven years.

Peruvian Defense Minister Pedro Cateriano, who inspected the overhauled helicopters at the La Joya air base in the southern region of Arequipa, stressed that these were attack helicopters, although they retained troop transport capability.

The Mi-25s will be deployed in November in the area of Valle de los Rios Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro (Vraem) where the fight against militant groups and drug-trafficking is hampered by rugged terrain, the jungles, and high elevation.

Mi-25s proved to be very effective in combat engagements in the Andes.

Mi-25 is an export version of Russia’s Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter, called by Soviet and Russian pilots ‘the flying tank’ due to its heavy armor and formidable firepower.

Peru has a total of 16 Mi-25 and Mi-35P helicopters in service with the country’s air force.