KINGSTON, Jamaica, Sept. 6 (UPI)

The Caribbean region is preparing for an upsurge in cybersecurity expansion as Internet safety concerns in Latin America push regional leaders toward urgent reviews of online business and government operations.

The growth in the sector is a two-way traffic and a timely boon to global cybersecurity companies disappointed by slow upturn in Europe, analysts said. Recent cutbacks in U.S. defense expenditure and an increasing reluctance of U.S. corporations to allocate more funds to cybersecurity have driven many Internet businesses to look for greener pastures.

U.S. cybersecurity manufacturers, up against competition from East Asia, are increasingly keen to develop export markets in areas where local competition is small and local demands for wide-ranging technology transfers are less stringent.

In Latin America, Brazil has taken the lead in trying to extract exacting technology transfer deals and hasn't hesitated to turn away foreign firms that demur when asked to share technologies as part of deals.

In the Caribbean, where cybersecurity markets are only beginning to open up, both businesses and governments are keen to build capacity on the best possible financial terms instead of insisting on sharing of technologies as their first preference.

U.S. firm Niksun Inc., a world leader in real-time and forensics-based cybersecurity and network monitoring solutions, announced it has entered the Caribbean and Latin America to develop new business.

The company, which has headquarters in Princeton, N.J., hosted a customer and partner event in Puerto Rico last month.

Niksun supplies the U.S. and other government agencies and large enterprises with products and services to monitor the performance of networks and fight cyberattacks.

Caribbean security authorities issued repeated warnings over the spillover effect of organized crime and narcotics rings hounded out of Colombia and Mexico in recent crackdowns in the two countries.

Caribbean governments are finding they are less equipped than Latin American countries in fighting sophisticated criminal organizations using airplanes, submersibles and disaffected militant groups to trade in narcotics, weapons and, in some cases, aspiring migrants.

Niksun says it now has a presence in the Caribbean and Central America, Mexico and Brazil and plans to open other sales offices in the region. Several other cybersecurity companies have indicated they want to explore business opportunities in the area.

The company is touting its security and performance management solutions dealing with capture, detection, analytics data and proactive prevention of cybercrime.

U.S. Army Gen. Keith Alexander, head of the U.S. Cyber Command, stated at an American Enterprise Institute seminar in July the number of cyberattacks against U.S. infrastructure from 2009-11 grew 17-fold.

In 2011, the number of cyberattacks increased 44 percent and malware increased by 60 percent, he said, citing research data.

"As Caribbean and Latin American economies grow, the prospect of financial gain from cyberattacks is drawing organized gangs into the region," The Gleaner newspaper in Jamaica warned.

"The issue is not being taken more seriously as the region's relatively fragile infrastructure makes whole economies particularly vulnerable," said David Jessop, managing director of the Caribbean Council, a U.K. organization that advises British territories and Caribbean countries in the region.

Jessop said in an article for The Gleaner Web site, "For the most part, governments and security agencies in the region seem not have considered in any depth this vulnerability and its implications or developed detailed planning to respond to any serious attack."

The Caribbean is one of the world's fastest growing regions for Internet usage. Internet World Stats said about 28.7 percent of the Caribbean population of 41.4 million uses the Internet.

Sep. 5, 2012 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: RIA Novosti; published Sep. 3, 2012)

MOSCOW --- Russia has delivered the next batch of Mi-35M Hind E attack helicopters to Brazil and will complete the contract by the end of the year, a military trade think tank said on Monday.

A total of 12 helicopters are to be delivered under a 2008 contract worth $150 million.

“The latest three machines were delivered on August 29,” said Igor Korotchenko, head of the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Global Arms Trade.

“Brazil will receive the remaining three helicopters before the end of the year and the 2008 contract will be completed.”

The Mi-35M is an export version of the Mi-24 Hind that was used extensively in Afghanistan. The Mi-24/35 is unique among dedicated attack helicopters insofar as it can carry a load of troops, in addition to performing its offensive role.

The Sao Paulo-based newspaper Valor Economico previously reported that the Mi-35s would be used in the Amazon region, in conjunction with Brazil's Embraer land and ground surveillance jets.

The Amazon region borders both Venezuela and Colombia, and is a prime location for transnational narco-terrorists and drug traffickers.

12th Aug SUMAN SHARMA - sunday-guardian.com

Sales stopped after a 2009 crash, negotiation is on for increased pricing .

NEW DELHI - The biggest customer of the indigenously made Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv outside the Indian armed forces is Ecuador, with which India is negotiating price for further orders after supplying the initial five helicopters, after which there has been no movement especially after one crashed in 2009. India has sold surveillance helicopters to Ecuador, not the weaponised combat ones.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is the manufacturer of the helicopters, and after the ALH sold to the Ecuadorian Air Force crashed in October 2009, the process slowed India's plans of exporting these home-made choppers. The order was for seven aircraft for 50 million dollars in 2008, out of which five were delivered. HAL has an office in Ecuador. Inquiries showed that the crash was due to the pilot's error, after which the Bangalore-based Helicopter Academy to Train by Simulation of Flying (HATSOFF) decided to train Ecuadorian Air Force pilots, to prepare them for emergencies.

After Ecuador got its helicopters under the first order in 2008, the price of the helicopter has gone up from $8 million per piece to $12 million per piece. The increased price is because of upgradation. The negotiation is about the pricing.

The Ecuadorian defence attaché in Delhi is in talks with the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The Indian defence attaché in Chile, who also looks after Ecuador is discussing from the Indian side. The earlier Ecuadorian requirement of seven choppers has not yet been fulfilled, and there is a further requirement of more choppers, said a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) source. Also last year a defence delegation from Ecuador visited India to discuss the matter.

An MEA source told this newspaper, "Indian armed forces' requirements are so huge, which HAL finds difficult to meet. Only after that they'll be in a position to export."

Other countries that have imported these helicopters, though in small numbers, are Israel and Nepal, while Surinam and Turkey have also shown interest.

Another Latin American country which showed interest in the chopper was Chile. But HAL's ALH Dhruv lost the contract to American Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, to provide 12 helicopters to the Chilean Air Force in 2008, before which Bell had been disqualified by India for a contract to replace its Chetaks and Cheetahs in the Indian Army on technical grounds based on trials in Leh in 2006. An MEA source said that there has been no word from Chile after that.

The Indian Army has three squadrons of the ALH, in Manasbal, Nasik and Bangalore and there is plan of having one operational squadron in high altitude area comprising the weaponised Dhruv.

The French missile-making company MBDA has conducted successful tests of Dhruv's weaponisation by testing its Mistral twin-tube missile in Leh. Four such packs would be mounted on the chopper. The indigenous DRDO too has developed Helina missile for the helicopter, for which launchers have been cleared.

Two TM 333 2B2 engines power the helicopter, but HAL has been trying to fly it with the new, indigenous and more powerful Shakti engine.The operational validation of the ALH had been completed in 2009, with the new Shakti engine.

10 août 2012 Par Elodie Vallerey – USINE NOUVELLE

Dans une interview, le ministre brésilien de la Défense Celso Amorim annonce le report sine die de l'appel d'offres concernant l'achat d'avions de chasse, dont le Rafale français.

Alors que la décision de l'Etat brésilien concernant son équipement en chasseurs était attendue pour juin, la crise économique oblige la présidente Dilma Roussef à reporter "à une date ultérieure" la finalisation de l'appel d'offres pour l'achat de 36 appareils.

"Le projet n'est pas abandonné. Une décision sera prise quand le moment viendra. Mais, à ce jour, je ne préfère pas donner une date", a confié Celso Amorim, le ministre brésilien de la Défense, dans une interview au Wall Street Journal le 9 août. "La situation économique a pris un tournant moins favorable qu'attendu et elle requiert de la prudence", a-t-il poursuivi.

Dans cet appel d'offres, le Rafale du constructeur français Dassault Aviation est en concurrence avec le Gripen du suédois Saab et le F/A-18 Super Hornet de l'Américain Boeing pour ce marché évalué à 5 milliards de dollars.

Le gouvernement brésilien a envoyé une lettre en juin aux trois constructeurs, leur demandant d'étendre leurs propositions de jets jusqu'à décembre prochain.

"Je ne suis en pourparlers avec aucune des entreprises concernées pour le moment", a assuré le ministre Amorim. "Ce qui n'exclut pas que je rencontre l'une ou l'autre dans mon bureau prochainement", a-t-il précisé.

La question n'est pas 'qui', mais 'quand'

En 2010, l'ex-président brésilien Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva et Nicolas Sarkozy avaient fait une déclaration conjointe, assurant que le Brésil était entré en négociations exclusives pour l'acquisition de Rafale. Peu après, le gouvernement de Brasilia avait botté en touche, affirmant que la compétition était toujours ouverte aux concurrents du Rafale. Lula avait finalement reporté la prise de décision sur sa successeure Dilma Roussef.

"Aujourd'hui, je ne peux pas affirmer qu'une entreprise est plus favorite que l'autre. La question primordiale est 'quand allons-nous prendre la décision', et à ce moment-là, nous regarderons à nouveau les offres proposées", a tempéré Celso Amorim auprès du quotidien économique américain. "Nous avons besoin de rééquiper notre flotte, mais cela doit être fait en adéquation avec les possibilités du Brésil".

OPV Amazonas departs Portsmouth

9 August 2012 baesystems.com/

Portsmouth, United Kingdom: Amazonas, the first of three BAE Systems built Ocean Patrol Vessels being delivered the Brazilian Navy, departed the UK for Rio de Janeiro this morning after her crew completed a rigorous programme of Flag Officer Sea Training with the Royal Navy off the South coast.

Supported by a team from BAE Systems, the crew’s extensive training programme included navigation and duty watch training, as well as development and familiarisation of operational procedures for safety and security in areas including material assessment of the ship, emergency exercises and machinery breakdown drills. The crew also completed boarding operations and anti-piracy exercises and tactics to ensure Amazonas returns to Brazil safely and fully prepared for the demanding operational role ahead.

Nigel Stewart, Commercial Director of BAE Systems Maritime, said: “Saying farewell to the first ship in the Amazonas class is a significant stage in our ongoing relationship with the Brazilian Navy and is a source of great pride to those who worked on her. We look forward to continuing our work with the Brazilian Navy to deliver the next two Ocean Patrol Vessels Apa and Araguari over the coming months.”

Lieutenant-Commander Giovani Corrêa, Brazilian Navy’s Commanding Officer of Amazonas, said: “The ship has proved herself to be a highly capable vessel and her crew are looking forward to the challenges of her first ocean voyage as we head to her new home in Brazil. The FOST training was a great success and allowed us to learn more about the Royal Navy’s procedures as we continually develop our own for this new class of ship.”

Following her departure from HM Naval Base Portsmouth, Amazonas will complete a series of diplomatic visits in Europe and Africa before arriving in Rio de Janeiro in October. On arrival in Brazil, Amazonas and her crew will undergo an operational assessment before joining the Brazilian fleet. They will then take part in further sea training with Comissão de Inspeção e Assessoria de Adestramento (the Commission for Inspecting and Advising Procedures) or CIAsA, which is designed to further ensure the ship is ready to begin her role of maritime security, search and rescue, and humanitarian relief operations.

The FOST training forms part of a £133 million contract for the supply of the three Ocean Patrol Vessels and ancillary support services announced in January. The contract also includes a manufacturing licence to enable further vessels of the same class to be constructed in Brazil, helping to support the country’s naval re-equipment programme and strengthen its maritime industrial capability.

First of class Amazonas was constructed at BAE Systems’ Portsmouth facility. Her sister ships Apa and Araguari were built at the company’s Scotstoun shipyard on the Clyde and are expected to be delivered to the Brazilian Navy in December 2012 and April 2013 respectively. Seven members of the Brazilian Navy will stay in Portsmouth to oversee the delivery of the remaining two ships in the Amazonas class, with the crew for the second ship expected to arrive in the UK later this year.

The Ocean Patrol Vessels will provide Brazil with enhanced maritime capability. With a 30mm cannon and two 25mm guns, as well as two rigid inflatable boats and a helicopter flight deck capable of landing a medium-sized helicopter, the ships are ideal for performing maritime security in Brazil’s territorial waters, including the protection of the country’s oil and gas reserves. The vessels accommodate a crew of 80, with additional accommodation for 40 embarked troops or passengers and ample deck space for container storage.

Aug 08, 2012 by Siva Govindasamy - FG

São Paulo - Embraer is confident that its A-29 Super Tucano will win the US Air Force light air support contest, even though an earlier selection of the type was overturned in January.

A decision is expected in January 2013 and Luiz Carlos Aguiar, chief executive of Embraer's Defense and Security division, says that the Brazilian airframer's offer remains compliant with US laws. He is confident about its prospects in the competition, pointing out that Embraer has invested significantly in the USA through its business jet production line in Melbourne, Florida, and its first engineering centre outside Brazil.

"We know that internal politics could have an impact, but we are compliant with the laws," he says. "We are going to generate a lot of jobs in the USA. We have been present in the USA for a long time and are investing even more into the country."

The new tender, issued in May, has already pushed back the potential delivery dates to around 2014, two years later than expected. The aircraft are destined for Afghanistan's nascent air force.

Aguiar says that apart from Indonesia, which has ordered 16 Super Tucanos - receiving the first four in a ceremony on 6 August - other Asia-Pacific countries such as the Philippines and Thailand are also potential customers for the type.

Regarding the in-development KC-390 cargo aircraft, he says that the joint definition phase is expected to be completed by early next year. After that, Embraer expects to fix the price of the aircraft and sign firm contracts in the first quarter of 2013.

The company will not add any more developmental partners other than Argentina, the Czech Republic and Portugal. However, it is open to establishing an assembly line for the KC-390 cargo aircraft outside Brazil if it makes sense for a big customer, although Aguiar stresses that any such decision is still a long way off.

"We need to study this step by step, case by case," he says. "As a defence company, we must have an open mind to these things. It may be more complicated to just get a company from another country to become a supplier, and so we may need to offer final assembly."

Embraer briefed officials from Indonesia, which operates a fleet of older Lockheed Martin C-130s, on the programme. It is also keen to sign up other potential export customers, but Aguiar says that the priority is to complete the joint definition phase and fix a price. Negotiations with existing customers and marketing for future ones can then begin in earnest, he adds.

July 19, 2012 defpro.com

MEXICO | Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Thursday he is interested in buying Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E multirole fighter jets from Russia to enhance his country’s defense capabilities.

“I have already sent a statement to the government of Russia that we are ready to consider buying in the next few years Su-35 fighters to modernize and enhance our defense powers,” Venezuela’s national radio quoted Chavez as saying.

The president said that the issues of security, defense and the development of the country should be the priority for the government of Venezuela within the frames of the national independence provision.

“This independence, the well protected and guaranteed one, will give us a possibility to build new Venezuela, new Fatherland and to reach new horizons,” he added.

The Su-35, powered by two 117S engines with thrust vectoring, combines high maneuverability and the capability to effectively engage several air targets simultaneously using both guided and unguided missiles and weapon systems.

The aircraft has been touted as "4++ generation using fifth-generation technology." (RIA Novosti)

LA GUAIRA, Venezuela, July 16 (UPI)

Venezuela says it sees the Mercosur trade bloc as an emergent military power in Latin America and will pursue plans for integrating its defense manufacturing capacity with Argentina's military industries as a first step in that direction.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez made the declaration at a Military University ceremony days after his senior defense aide signed agreements with Argentina on integrating the countries' defense industries.

Both countries have ambitions to develop defense industries, vying with Brazil's advanced and sophisticated aerospace and military manufacturing.

It isn't at all clear if either side has a significant existing capacity but, of the two, Argentina has more advanced capacity with a significant footprint in nuclear power generation and related nuclear technologies.

Venezuela was only recently confirmed as a full member of Mercosur after several years of a delay caused by other members' criticism of Chavez's populist style of government and reluctance to ratify the country's membership.

Chavez said Venezuela's defense accords with Argentina would be a step toward "the necessary strategic integration of the armed forces in the framework of Mercosur and turning the bloc into a military power."

There was no immediate Argentine government comment on the declaration by Chavez.

Chavez used the public address to repeat his support for Argentina's claim over Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory.

He said Mercosur was "an important strategic alliance" with an "immense offensive, dissuasive capacity."

Last Friday ministers from Argentina and Venezuela met aboard an Argentine ship in La Guaira and signed a memorandum of understanding on pooling resources for developing their military manufacturing technologies as part of the "necessary strategic integration of the armed forces in the framework of Mercosur."

Chavez said such integration was needed "to help defend our resources, combat colonialism."

However, he said, this had to be done by establishing "a zone of democracy where never again will there be military coups, or invasion or imperialisms, but also a space where only our peoples in their most pure democratic expression and through legitimate governments can decide their future."

Mercosur suspended Paraguay after the Paraguayan Congress voted to impeach Fernando Lugo and remove him from presidency, replacing him with Federico Franco as president. Mercosur called the impeachment and Lugo's ouster a coup, a stance that was supported by the Union of South American States.

Critics of Chavez in several member countries were unwilling to have Venezuela confirmed as full member because they feared his entry will signal a shift toward a populist radicalization of Mercosur.

Venezuela's long-delayed confirmation as full member became possible only after Mercosur suspended Paraguay, whose legislation had been obstructing Venezuela's admission. Even supporters of Venezuela's membership say they would have preferred Venezuela's admission in strict observance of Mercosur's constitution.

The way Venezuela was admitted into Mercosur showed that the general rule of consensus was bypassed, critics say.

Former Brazilian President Fernando Enrique Cardoso told Veja magazine he regarded as serious "the incorporation of Venezuela to Mercosur in the absence of Paraguay. All Mercosur decisions are by consensus, which means the participation of all members."

July 16, 2012 U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs / NNS – defpro.com

BOGOTA, Colombia | Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) attended a military power seminar at the Colombian War College in Bogota, Colombia, July 12.

During the seminar, Harris spoke to participants about interoperability between the U.S. and Colombian forces, and interdiction capabilities within the coastal waters of Colombia.

"As militaries, we bring certain unique capabilities to deal with transnational organized crime," said Harris. "We are effective planners, able to deconstruct problems into their component parts and create appropriate campaign plans to deal with each component."

The purpose of the seminar was to explore the key elements of the use of military power in the maritime and littoral environment and its impact on national strategy, security and defense. The seminar also focused on air power and the growing need for aerospace technology and capacity.

"As Sailors we are well aware of the role played by major trading routes that crisscross our seas and oceans," said Harris. "And throughout this region we face the man-made scourge of transnational criminal organizations engaged in all manner of lucrative illicit activities, trafficking in drugs, weapons, money, and people."

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

For more information, visit www.public.navy.mil/comusnavso-c4f, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4thflt, or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/navsous4thflt.

15 juillet investir.fr (Reuters)

SAO PAULO, - L'américain Boeing propose de transférer au Brésil davantage de technologie si le pays décide d'équiper son armée de l'air d'avions de combat F-18 Super Hornet, rapporte dimanche un journal local.

Le vice-président du programme F/A-18 de Boeing, Mike Gibbons, a fait savoir que son groupe offrerait aux entreprises brésiliennes "l'opportunité de construire des composants pour les nouveaux Super Hornets et pour d'autres projets de Boeing à venir", rapporte le journal O Estado de S. Paulo.

Il n'a pas donné plus de précisions sur le transfert de technologie élargi que Boeing proposait désormais au Brésil.

En février, on apprenait de sources gouvernementales française et brésilienne que Brasilia opterait très probablement pour le Rafale du français Dassault Aviation. Pour ce projet portant sur 36 avions de combat, d'une valeur de plusieurs milliards de dollars, Dassault propose un généreux transfert de technologie.

Mais depuis 2011, Boeing a cherché à faire pencher la balance en sa faveur en renforçant ses liens commerciaux avec le Brésil. Boeing et le constructeur aéronautique brésilien Embraer ont notamment annoncé en juin leur intention de collaborer sur le développement du KC-390 d'Embraer, un avion de transport militaire et de ravitaillement.

(Reese Ewing, Natalie Huet pour le service français)

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 10, 2012 - boeing.mediaroom.com

Embraer and Boeing today at the Farnborough Airshow announced an agreement that further enhances the collaboration between the two companies and brings additional capabilities to Embraer's A-29 Super Tucano through new weapons integration developments to meet future customer requirements.

The new weapons integration capacity enhances the solution presented to the U.S. Air Force Light Air Support (LAS) program by not only meeting program requirements, but exceeding them in ways that are important to the customer.

"This new capability will take advantage of the versatility of the Super Tucano and will benefit our campaign in the United States," said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, president of Embraer Defesa & Segurança. "With more than eight years in service and more than 160 aircraft delivered, the Super Tucano is a proven platform. The aircraft's performance, operational effectiveness and costs to operate and maintain are well defined and documented."

Today's announcement follows the April signing of a broad cooperation agreement between Boeing and Embraer that established an important relationship between two of the world's largest aerospace companies to cooperate in ways that enhance aircraft efficiency and safety, research and technology and sustainable aviation biofuels to create value for both companies and their customers.

"This agreement enables integration of Boeing products on a highly affordable turboprop aircraft that offers unique close air support capabilities to customers worldwide," said Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "Boeing direct attack weapons are combat-proven and in inventory with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and 27 international military customers."

On June 26, Boeing and Embraer announced a collaboration on the KC-390 program to share some specific technical knowledge and evaluate markets where they may join efforts for medium-lift military transport opportunities.

To date, the Super Tucano fleet has logged more than 157,000 flight hours, including 23,000 combat hours, with no combat losses. The aircraft also is certified for more than 130 munitions configurations. It has been selected by 10 customers around the world.

10 juillet 2012 Thierry Dubois à Farnborough – Aerobuzz.fr

Avec le KC-390, son premier avion de transport tactique, le constructeur brésilien Embraer, vise le remplacement des C-130 Hercules. Le récent accord de commercialisation conclu avec Boeing devrait faciliter la pénétration de ce vaste marché.

Embraer va bientôt geler la conception de son premier avion de transport militaire, le KC-390, destiné aux missions tactiques. Bien que le premier vol soit prévu pour bientôt (2014), certains détails restent flous. Le programme semble en tous cas bien financé, grâce au gouvernement brésilien qui fournit la majeure partie des 1,8 milliards d’euro nécessaires.

Le KC-390 fera essentiellement du transport de fret, de troupes et du ravitaillement en vol. Les 23 tonnes de charge offerte correspondent à 64 parachutistes, 80 soldats, un hélicoptère ou des véhicules blindés légers. Quant à la capacité de ravitaillement, elle se fonde sur deux réservoirs internes amovibles. Le KC-390 lui-même pourra être ravitaillé en vol.

Six pays ont signé des lettres d’intention pour un total de 60 avions. Il s’agit du Brésil (28), de la Colombie (12), de l’Argentine (6), du Portugal (6), du Chili (6) et de la République Tchèque (2). Les Argentins, les Portugais et les Tchèques sont aussi devenus des partenaires industriels du programme. La France, qui avait exprimé un besoin d’une douzaine d’appareils, n’a rien signé. Paris attend que le Brésil commande le Rafale.

Le financement de 1,8 Md€ court jusqu’à la fin 2014. C’est alors que le KC-390 est censé faire son premier vol. La phase financée du développement comprend deux prototypes et l’outillage de production. A partir de 2015, Embraer compte recevoir des paiements partiels de ses clients. Les premières livraisons à l’armée de l’Air brésilienne sont attendues en 2016.

Les caractéristiques préliminaires diffusées en 2010 indiquaient une distance franchissable proche de 2 600 km à la masse maximale. Ces chiffres devraient être précisés prochainement. Au premier trimestre 2013, le constructeur de São José dos Campos commencera à faire des propositions fermes, avec prix et spécifications à la clé. Le programme est aujourd’hui en phase de « définition commune ». Il occupe 180 ingénieurs de 50 sociétés, regroupés dans les bureaux d’études d’Embraer. En outre, le Brésilien a signé le 26 juin avec Boeing un accord sur le KC-390. Il s’agit notamment de « mettre en commun certaines technologies. » C’est la première concrétisation d’un protocole d’accord plus large (et assez vague) conclu en avril.

Le Brésil fournit plus de 90 % du financement et les Tchèques et les Argentins fournissent le reste. Pour un montant fixe, Embraer est censé livrer l’avion à l’heure et avec les performances attendues. Tout retard au-delà de 2014 devra être financé par le constructeur. Et le gouvernement pourra refuser la livraison d’un avion moins performant qu’annoncé.

Embraer a choisi ses fournisseurs. Le consortium IAE équipera le KC-390 de deux turboréacteurs V2500. Ce genre d’avion utilise pourtant, d’habitude, des turbopropulseurs. Les hélices donnent en effet des distances de décollage plus courtes. Cette fois, c’est la « productivité », selon le mot d’Embraer, qui prime. Le Brésil est un pays vaste. Les temps de parcours sont d’autant plus importants et la vitesse supérieure (Mach 0.80) procurée par les réacteurs fait la différence. Autre technologie relativement nouvelle sur un avion de transport militaire, le KC-390 emploiera des commandes de vol électriques.

En termes de prévisions de marché, les dirigeants d’Embraer envisagent 700 avions d’ici à 2025. L’accord avec Boeing comprend d’ailleurs un volet « commercialisation ». Il s’agit principalement de remplacer des Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. Embraer se contenterait de 17 à 18 % des 700. Soit 120 KC-390 environ. La ligne d’assemblage livrerait alors huit à 10 avions par an.