Jul. 7, 2012 – Defense News (AFP)

BRASILIA, Brazil — The Brazilian Air Force has asked bidders to renew their offers on a contract to provide 36 next-generation fighter jets, extending for six months a race between U.S., French and Swedish contestants.

The Rafale fighter, made by French firm Dassault Aviation, is competing against the Boeing Co. F/A-18 Super Hornet and the Saab Gripen for the contract valued at between $4 billion and $7 billion.

The Brazilian Air Force asks the bidders to renew their offers every six months. The last bidding window ended on June 30 and the new one will end Dec. 31.

In a statement sent to AFP, the Air Force said it was a “normal procedure” to extend the offers for the government to study them so long as the winner has not yet been selected.

Dassault’s Brazilian unit chief Jean-Marc Merialdo said this marked the fourth six-month extension for the offer, but stressed that “it is a purely administrative move with no further significance.”

Brazil, the world’s sixth-largest economy, is insisting on technology transfer in all its defense agreements. It is due to announce the winner this year.

Although France has offered full technology transfers in its bid to win the contract and the Rafale is thus seen as the best placed to finish on top, the F/A-18 is being offered at the best price.

During a visit to Brazil earlier this year, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta pledged U.S. advanced technology transfers if Brasilia chooses Boeing’s supersonic jet.

July 6, 2012 Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Frank J. Pikul, Southern Seas 2012 Public Affairs / NNS – defpro.com

USS UNDERWOOD, At Sea | The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) completed a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Colombian navy, July 4.

The exercise was designed to conduct subject matter expert exchanges in maritime interdiction operations with the Colombian ship ARC Valle del Cauca (PO 44).

"I always get excited when working with other navies," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW) William H. Tredick, the command master-at-arms aboard Underwood. "It is important for us to work with other navies to grow lasting partnerships with them."

The PASSEX included helicopter operations, a maritime interdiction operation (MIO) exercise, and a communications exercise.

"It was a short time period to get these events done, but we got the job done," said Quartermaster 1st Class (SW) David C. Ratcliffe. "That is why we constantly train and work on accomplishing our mission quickly and safely."

The exercise began with the launch of an SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 48 from the flight deck of Underwood to assist in the execution of the MIO exercise. Underwood then conducted a communications exercise with Valle del Cauca in order to practice proper radio communication.

"This exercise gave us a chance to observe the Colombian navy...and see how they operate," said Tredick. "I think the exercise was a success and both navies got something out of it that can be used in the future."

Underwood is deployed to Central and South America and the Caribbean in support of Southern Seas 2012.

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.

July 5, 2012 defpro.com

BEIJING | China and Argentina on Tuesday pledged to boost military cooperation as Argentine Defense Minister Arturo Puricelli visited the Asian country.

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie held talks with his Argentine counterpart on Tuesday.

Liang, who is also a state councilor, said that Sino-Argentine relations have been developing smoothly since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1972.

The exchange of visits by the two countries' leaders and the establishment of the strategic partnership opened a new chapter in bilateral ties, with fruitful outcomes from cooperation in fields such as cultural exchanges and personnel training, said Liang.

The defense minister also voiced China's willingness to expand military cooperation with the Argentine side in order to boost ties.

Puricelli said that Argentina appreciates the progress China has made in national construction in recent years. Argentina is willing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to further advance defense cooperation between the two nations, he added. (Xinhua)

BAE-built ocean patrol vessel can cruise at a speed of 25k when fully loaded.

Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems

3 July 2012naval-technology.com

The Brazilian Navy has taken delivery of the first of three ocean patrol vessels (OPVs) from BAE Systems at Portsmouth Naval Base, US, in support of navy's Prosuper fleet modernisation programme.

Delivery is part of the Brazilian Navy's $186m deal with BAE for the purchase of three OPVs, originally built by BAE for the Trinidad and Tobago coast guard to perform intercepting and emergency relief operations in the Caribbean region.

In addition to providing three already-built 90m-long, 2,200t OPVs, the deal includes an additional £13m for training and support by BAE with an option to locally build another five OPVs to the Brazilian Navy.

BAE Systems's naval ships business managing director Mick Ord said: "The handover of the first ship marks both a significant stage in the programme and the close working relationship we are forming with Brazil.

"I am sure these highly capable vessels will be a great asset to the Brazilian Navy."

"The handover of the first ship marks both a significant stage in the programme and the close working relationship we are forming with Brazil."

Capable of carrying a crew of 70, with additional accommodation for 50 troops or passengers, the vessel features a helicopter flight deck, 30mm and 25mm cannons and can cruise at a speed of 25k when fully loaded.

The deal was originally signed in 2007 for the construction of three OPVs and supported by the UK Government, but was cancelled in September 2010 over delays relating to delivery timelines.

The second and third vessels are scheduled for delivery to the Brazilian Navy in December 2012 and 2013 respectively.

The Brazilian Navy fleet modernisation programme also involves acquisition of five frigate-class boats and one support ship.

June 28, 2012 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: Brazilian Minister of Defence; issued June 27, 2012)

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

Defense Will Have 1.527 billion reals for CAP Equipment (edited excerpts)

BRASILIA --- The Ministry of Defence will receive 1.527 billion reals (USD 733 million) from the Accelerated Growth Program (AGP) for defense equipment. The funds will allow the purchase of 4,170 trucks, 40 Guarani armored vehicles and 30 Astros 2020 missile launcher vehicles. The transfer of the funds was approved today (June 27), through a Provisional Measure signed by President Rousseff during a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace.

Overall, this program will allocate 8.43 billion reals (USD 4,046 million) in 2012, and aims to stimulate the Brazilian economy to expand investment and to generate employment and income.

The Provisional Measure referred to the National Congress frees up a budget of 6.611 billion reals that were contingent. The details of the PAC equipment were disclosed by the Minister of Finance, Guido Mantega, to justify the measures taken by the federal government to stimulate the national economy.

To cope with present economic difficulties, the government is taking steps to foster the internal market. In her speech, Rousseff also highlighted the importance of the resource allocation program to the Ministry of Defence for the purchase of equipment for the Armed Forces.

"All purchases we decide are intended to meet the needs of the Brazilian people. I'll quote: buses for school transportation, trucks and vehicles for the Armed Forces, which have to be re-equipped as they play a crucial role; ambulances to expand the Samu; trucks and drilling equipment for water wells to help fight droughts, the backhoes, as I said, for maintenance of local roads; furnishings for public schools," she said.

Defence Procurement

The Ministry of Defence will receive 1.527 billion reals for military equipment developed from national projects manufactured in Brazil. Of this total, 342.4 million reals will be for the purchase of 40 Guarani wheeled armored vehicles. As the Army had ordered 21 units of the tank for this year, the PAC supplementary funding will allow another 19 Guarani to be added to the list.

The plan also provides 246 million reals to acquire 30 Astros 2020 missile launch vehicles. The remaining 939.6 million reals will allow the purchase of 4,170 trucks of different types and models used to transport troops and cargo. These vehicles will join the 900 originally planned, and bring the total order to 5,070 trucks in 2012.

About the equipment:

Armored Vehicles:

The Guarani is a project of the Brazilian Army. This is the first model of a family of armored vehicles to be produced in the country, in Minas Gerais, by the Iveco company. These amphibious wheeled armored vehicles will gradually replace the current Urutu vehicles used by the Army, which were manufactured by Engesa and are over 30 years old.

Astros 2020:

This is a national launcher of rockets and missiles developed by the Army and manufactured by the company Avibrás, in Sao Jose dos Campos. This wheeled launcher is a commercial success, and has been exported to many countries; it will equip the combat units of artillery of the Army. The 2020 model is the most modern surface-to-surface rocket launcher.

Benefits:

The two programs (Guarani and Astros 2020) are strategic projects and are in line with the National Defense Strategy (END). They will also appear in the Plan of Organization and Equipment of Defense (PAED), which is nearing completion at the Ministry and which will guide the acquisition of defense equipment and products by 2030.

Both projects will function as a stimulus to innovation and domestic production of technologically advanced facilities. The goal is to promote the effectiveness of national defense capability and also boost the competitiveness of domestic industry in domestic and overseas markets, contributing to the economic and social development of Brazil.

The purchase of the trucks will increase mobility and logistics of the Armed Forces. The vehicles will increase the ability of forces to act in military and civilian support missions, such as aid the civilian population during natural disasters (floods, droughts, etc.).

27/6/2012 Arie Egozi - israeldefense.com

The South American country developed a UAV with the assistance of Iran

The close ties between Iran and Venezuela are nothing new. However, it has now been revealed that Iran aided Venezuela in the development of a new UAV. Venezuela has also received development assistance from China and Russia.

The small and basic UAV has an operational range of approximately 80 km and can fly at an altitude of 2.5 km. It is apparently equipped with a video camera and a broadcasting system that allows it to transmit photos to a ground station.

The development of the UAV is part of Venezuela's effort to develop a weapons industry that would also export its products to terror organizations with which Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has close ties, including Islamic terror organizations.

Venezuela’s neighbors are concerned over its accelerated armament. One of them, Colombia, increased its military procurement budget and procured Kfir combat aircraft from Israel. In addition, the country is said to be interested in procuring Israeli Merkava tanks and UAVs.

06/27/2012 Defence IQ Press

Defence IQ recently caught up with Commodore (Rtd.) Anthony Franklin, former Chief of Defence of Trinidad & Tobago, who briefly outlined his nation’s key concerns as it aims to provide effective seakeeping in the Caribbean within a reasonable budget.

What is your main focus at the moment?

I’m in charge of acquiring new naval assets for Trinidad and Tobago; we’ve recently put out a request for information and I’m chairing the committee that will eventually develop the specifications and follow through the process of acquiring the vessels.

What are the critical design attributes and specifications you are currently looking for?

We’re looking at cost-effectiveness. We’re looking at seakeeping capabilities. And we’re looking at flexibility. These are the main attributes but of course there’s also the operational ability and through-life costs to consider too.

Based on your recent experiences in the Caribbean, what capabilities are required to operate after a humanitarian disaster?

We need the ability to transport relief supplies and emergency teams and, more particularly, members of the 2ndBattalion – the engineering Battalion of the regiment – who are our immediate disaster relief reaction team. We also transport supplies to the south of the Caribbean, not just Trinidad and Tobago, to the places just south of the hurricane belt. The eastern islands are all in the way of the hurricanes and our experience over the years is that we’ve had to react by carrying personnel up to assist and carry supply’s back and forth. We’re hoping to acquire a new offshore patrol vessel that will be capable of carrying a 30-man team from the regiment as well as the necessary equipment to serve as an immediate reaction team.

How can you ensure a robust fleet in a region facing severe weather, particularly during the hurricane season?

Well, that is very difficult! It’s difficult to ensure the fleet is robust enough because, when we’re talking about the south-eastern Caribbean, a lot of the countries cannot afford large vessels. Barbados has recently acquired a large OPV and Trinidad and Tobago is in the market for a patrol vessel, but that’s about it. We’re trying to get a vessel that can cope with the kind of sea conditions seen in the area, particularly during the hurricane season. Unfortunately in the south Caribbean, they are outfitted with less launches, so the challenge for them is affordability.

June 27, 2012 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: Brazilian Ministry of Defence; issued June 26, 2012)

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

Brazil and Italy Strengthen Cooperation In Defense and Highlight Priority Programs

BRASILIA --- The defence ministers of Brazil, Celso Amorim, and Italy, Giampaolo Di Paola, today reiterated their desire to strengthen cooperation in their defense relations, and promote the exchange of experiences between their Armed Forces.

The Italian minister was received with military honors at the entrance of the Ministry of Defence (MD). Soon after, in a meeting, Celso Amorim said the partnership between Brazil and Italy is already old and needs to continue. He outlined to the Italians ongoing joint projects and emphasized sectors that can create potential bilateral partnerships.

Amorim said that within the Plan of Organization and Equipment of Defense (PAED), one of the priority projects for the Navy's PROSUPER program to acquire modern surface combatants. This initiative provides for the acquisition of new surface ships and covers eleven ships (five frigates, five escorts and a super support ship).

Italy is interested in developing vessels for Brazil. In this sense, the Italian Defence Minister said that his country's intention is not to buy or sell ships, but to work together on their development. On this subject, the Brazilian minister said it was important to have this transfer of technology to increase national capabilities.

One of the subjects of the meeting was a historic partnership between the two countries in the AMX light fighter program, which started in 1980. A highly successful initiative, the AMX was essential for Embraer to acquire the required skills for the production of civil and military aircraft. It was stressed that we must continue Italo-Brazilian cooperation for logistics related to this program.

The Brazilian AMXs are going through a modernization process. This week, on Tuesday (19), the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) conducted the first flight of a modernized AMX at Embraer's factory in Gaviao Peixoto, in São Paulo.

At the meeting, ministers were accompanied by their high command officers. On the Brazilian side was attended by the commanders of the Navy, admiral of the fleet Julio Soares de Moura Neto, the Army, Army Major General Enzo Martins Peri, and Air Force, Lieutenant-Brigadier-the-air Aprígio Eduardo de Moura Azevedo ( interim), besides the Chief of Joint Staff of Armed Forces (EMCFA), Army Major General Jose Carlos De Nardi.

June 27th, 2012 By FrostSullivan - defencetalk.com

Brazil continues to lead the way in Latin American defence expenditure. Upcoming and ongoing programmes means that Brazilian budgets over the next decade will be higher than those of the next five biggest Latin American spenders combined. Overall budgets can be deceptive though, as new procurements are limited by high personnel and maintenance requirements.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Revenue Opportunities and Stakeholder Mapping in the Latin American Defence Market, estimates that the cumulative defence expenditure on new equipment procurement in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru will amount to $69.1 billion between 2011 and 2020. The majority of these procurements will be in Brazil.

“While a lack of big-ticket programmes in smaller countries does not necessarily entail a lack of opportunity for defence companies, Western manufacturers willing to export may be disappointed by challenging markets,” noted Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Chiara Ball. “However, significant opportunities exist, especially for those willing to help governments’ further industrial development by creating domestic or regional bases.”

Latin American countries’ stocks currently comprise a lot of Cold War and even WWII-era platforms. Long overdue modernization drives are now being pushed by governments, and the global recession’s comparatively light touch on the region is helping them to do so.

“Some countries’ defence forces are struggling with internal security problems,” added Ball. “The need to modernize is acute, and is the main driver of defence procurement in the region.”

In many countries, decades of economic fragility and instability coincided with transitions to democracy following military dictatorships. The economic and cultural result of this was institutionalized neglect of military capabilities, which is now changing.

However, despite the overall economic growth of many of these countries, overall budgets are still too small to match the overwhelming requirements.

“Many Latin American countries are consistently forced to prioritize their most immediate and often very basic requirements,” remarked Ball. “Due to the inability of many Ministries of Defence to create comprehensive long-term procurement plans, forces continue to be strained to their operational limits.”

End-users in Latin America are extremely price conscious, in many cases even preferring to buy second-hand platforms and domestically refurbish and upgrade them. There is an increase in the popularity of modular platforms, and demand for upgrade components and packages will remain high.

“Governments in these under-developed countries look favorably on defence procurements with clear domestic industrial and technological benefits,” concluded Ball. “In order to foment incentive, companies should enter the market via partnership with local companies or by establishing a domestic manufacturing base.”

26/06/2012 Par François Julian - air-cosmos.com

C’est tout à fait inattendu : Boeing et Embraer viennent d’annoncer qu’ils allaient coopérer sur le projet d’avion de transport militaire KC-390. Ce dernier, jusque là développé par Embraer seul, devrait dorénavant profiter de l’expertise de Boeing, aussi bien dans le domaine technique que commercial.

Pour l’heure, les deux constructeurs donnent très peu de détails sur le périmètre exact de cette coopération. Une conférence de presse sur le sujet est néanmoins prévue lors du prochain salon de Farnborough.

"Boeing a une solide expérience dans le domaine des avions de transport militaire et des ravitailleurs, ainsi qu’une profonde connaissance des marchés potentiels du KC-390, notamment de ceux que nous n’avions pas envisagé lors du lancement de l’avion", a déclaré Luiz Carlos Aguiar, le patron de la branche défense et sécurité d’Embraer.

De tout évidence, cette collaboration avec Boeing devrait permettra à Embraer de s’attaquer au marché du remplacement des vieux C-130 Hercules en service dans les forces américaines. Et l’expérience l’a montré : un allié américain n’est jamais de trop lorsqu’il s’agit de vendre du matériel d’origine étrangère au Pentagone.

Pour l’heure, il semble bien que le gros C-17 américain ait désormais un petit frère d’origine brésilienne…

26 juin 2012 Par Rédacteur en chef. PORTAIL DES SOUS-MARINS

Le sous-marin vénézuélien Sábalo (U-209/1300) subit actuellement une période d’entretien aux chantiers navals Diques y Astilleros Nacionales C.A. (Dianca), où il est arrivé en avril dernier. On estime qu’il pourrait être prêt à reprendre la mer dans les prochaines semaines.

Officieusement, on indique que, à bord du sous-marin de la marine vénézuélienne, se déroulent des travaux d’entretien de la coque, de peintures, de remplacements de vannes, ainsi que dans les ballasts et dans les réservoirs, et sur les barres de plongée et de direction.

Aucune date précise n’a encore été fixée pour sa sortie. Cependant, on estime qu’il pourrait être prêt dans environ 2 semaines. Au début, il avait été indiqué que les travaux ne devaient durer qu’un mois. Ils auront duré un mois supplémentaire.

Le sous-marin Sábalo a été entièrement révisé et, le 28 janvier 2011, il a été officiellement remis à la marine du Vénézuéla lors d’une cérémonie à la base navale Contralmirante Agustín Armario.

Dans le même chantier, se trouve aussi le sous-marin Caribe (U-209/1300), qui subit une période d’entretien majeur. Il doit rester au mois 7 mois dans le chantier naval et quelques 130 personnes au moins participent aux travaux effectués.

Référence : Nuestro Mar (Argentine)

June 21, 2012 defpro.com

This contract follows and completes the agreement signed at the beginning of 2011 for an overall investment of over €5 million

Rome | SELEX Elsag, a Finmeccanica company, has signed a contract with the Brazilian Army completing the upgrade of the SISTAC tactical communications system. This award follows, and completes, the agreement signed at the beginning of 2011, encompassing an overall investment of over €5 million and a three-year extended guarantee. The upgrade activities will be completed at the beginning of 2013.

SISTAC is a shelter-based system for tactical communications, which will be deployed throughout the region under the jurisdiction of Comando Militar do Sul to provide support to the Brazilian Army Third Division.

SISTAC has been in operational use with the Santo Angelo First Communication Battalion in Rio Grande do Sul since 1998. It is the first system of this type to be acquired by the Brazilian Armed Forces. It comprises a multi-service integrated digital communications network, able to support voice and data services, both coded and uncoded, and to interface with external networks and single channel radio systems. As a result of the comprehensive upgrade, the new version can make use of next-generation radio links, multi-service switch routers, crypto devices, and an advanced network management system. All these elements create a data-focused architecture, which represents the first significant step in the implementation of Network Enabled Capabilities within the Brazilian Army.

Brigadier General Antonino dos Santos Guerra Neto, Commanding Officer of the Brazilian Army’s Communications & Electronic Warfare Center (CCOMGEX), says: “The implementation of the second upgrade phase of the Third Division Tactical Communications System (SISTAC/3rd Division) is the result of a continuous process of technological renewal and investment adjustment within the Command & Control (C2) area. This is necessary to raise the Brazilian Army’s communications to a state-of-the-art status.”

SELEX Elsag has been operating in the Brazilian market since the end of the 1990’s, through its branch SELEX Communications do Brazil. The presence in the territory has provided the basis for success, since it allowed co-operate with customer by offering solutions able to meet its needs and creating the best conditions to foster business continuity. SELEX Elsag provides the Army with area tactical communications systems and supports both Army and Navy Special Forces operations through global solutions, which are able to meet the Armed Forces’ needs in any kind of activities also outside the traditional defense tasks.

With a wide range of solutions for communications, automation and security, SELEX Elsag deals with a range of professional civil areas within the country, such as Public Administration (Post Offices, Regional Governments, Police Forces, etc.), Transport (underground, buses, railway) and in private companies within the oil, electricity and utilities sectors.

SAO PAULO, June 20 (UPI)

Portuguese manufacturer Pinhol plans to test its new four-wheel explosive-resistant armored vehicle in Brazil with a view to developing a long-term production and marketing partnership in the Caribbean and Latin American region.

Pinhol S.A. produces hard-wearing vehicles and other steel products but industry analysts say it is the first time that the company has been mentioned in connection with a defense vehicle. The four-wheel vehicle is said to resist improvised explosive devices and regular land mines while shielding occupants in an armed ambush.

The tests in Brazil follow a partnership developed between Pinhol and Brazilian manufacturers of commercial off-the-shelf vehicle chassis.

The so-called mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle has a combat weight of 28,600 pounds, a top speed of 75 miles an hour and a maximum range of about 930 miles.

The propulsion in the MRAP unit consists of a 480-horsepower diesel engine which is coupled to a seven-speed (six plus reverse) automatic gearbox.

Pinhol says the vehicle, made with SSAB ARMOX steel, can be equipped with armored add-ons, climate control and communication systems, a protected manned weapon station or a remote weapon station.

Armox 500T, the world's toughest protection plate in its hardness range, can be used in defense vehicles because it easy to work with.

The Pinhol combat vehicle's hull features several ports for light machine guns and protected windows around the hull and a windshield protected by a mesh.

The vehicle can accommodate a driver and a 10-member warfighter team. The design of the vehicle comes in different configurations.

The company has also developed the Puma airborne multipurpose lightweight mine-protected vehicle that can be used to transport cargo or deployed in combat.

The Puma has a combat weight of 7,700 pounds and a top speed of about 87 miles. The Puma can be fitted with machine guns and carry cargo or up to seven troops.

Pinhol is also looking to expand markets outside Latin America, where Brazil's own aviation and defense industries are looking for new business opportunities.

European defense manufacturers are looking to Latin America's newly acquired spending power and revived defense regeneration programs, fueled by post-crisis growth and gains in commodity markets. Pinhol already is a major supplier to the Portuguese armed forces and has built a reputation for tough multipurpose armored vehicles.

The company has outlined plans to produce larger, six- to eight-wheel armored vehicles that are resistant to explosive impact and can take part in combat and security duties.