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Brazil’s Strategic Military Assessment: The Akash Missile System – Defense News
The Brazilian Armed Forces are on the verge of a significant decision as they evaluate new air defense systems to bolster their national security. This initiative was set in motion by Ordinance EME/C Ex. No. 1,338/2024 on June 21, 2024, aiming to enhance Brazil’s air defense capabilities through the Medium Altitude/High Altitude Air Defense Artillery System (Pit Sis AAAe Me Altu/G Altu) project.
Within the scope of the Army’s Strategic Air Defense Program (Prg EE DAAe), Brazil is studying IndiaChina’s Akash missile system and China’s Sky Dragon 50 for this crucial upgrade.
Brazilian interest in Akash
The Akash missile system, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has attracted significant interest from Brazil. The system, inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2012, boasts a range of around 25 kilometres and the ability to hit multiple air threats simultaneously. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has claimed that it can destroy four air targets at once within a range of 25 kilometres, a feat demonstrated during the Indian Air Force’s ‘Astra-Shakti’ exercise.
Brazil’s Defense Needs
Brazil’s General Tomas Miguel Paiva had raised alarms earlier this year about Brazil’s inadequate medium- and long-range air defense systems. The Brazilian Army currently has systems capable of intercepting threats only up to 3,000 meters. Consequently, General Paiva proposed a government-to-government agreement with India to acquire the Akash system, reflecting the urgency of filling this defense gap.
The Competition: China’s Celestial Dragon
China’s Sky Dragon 50 (DK-10) is another contender in this evaluation process. A Brazilian military delegation is scheduled to visit China to evaluate this system first-hand. The Sky Dragon 50, produced by China North Industries Corporation (Norinco), demonstrated its capabilities during live-fire exercises attended by Brazilian authorities.
Strategic Diplomatic Dynamics
The decision extends beyond technical specifications; it is intertwined with diplomatic and strategic negotiations. A significant aspect of this process is the potential for reciprocal agreements. If Brazil opts for India’s Akash missile system, there is speculation that the Indian Air Force may in turn acquire Brazil’s C390 medium transport aircraft, highlighting the quid pro quo nature of such defense agreements.
Brazil’s Detailed Assessment Process
Top diplomatic sources confirm to FinancialExpress.com that the Brazilian Army Chief of Staff has established a committee to examine potential partners for this project. The committee’s mandate includes presenting a comprehensive report by the end of October that will assess the best options for Brazil’s medium-altitude air defense needs.
And, “By the end of October, the committee will have to present a report on what the best options would be.”
FinancialExpress.com previously reported that in August 2023, Brazilian Army Commander General Tomas Miguel Ribeiro Paiva, accompanied by an official delegation, was on a week-long visit to India. He was with former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande, and exchanged views and held constructive discussions on various contemporary issues.
His second visit was for the first level 2+2 talks between India and Brazil earlier this year in February.
The Strategic Importance of the Akash System
The significance of the Akash system lies not only in its technical prowess but also in its strategic deployment. It was initially developed as a surface-to-air missile system and was later adapted to serve broader missile defence roles. Each battery of the Akash system comprises four launchers, each capable of holding three missiles. A single battery can detect up to 64 targets and neutralise 12 simultaneously, providing a robust defensive capability in the event of a concentrated air attack.
Historical milestones and future perspectives
India’s success with the Akash system has set historic milestones, notably when it destroyed four targets simultaneously during a test in December last year. This achievement underscores the advanced technological capabilities of the system, making it a strong candidate for Brazil’s defense needs.
The recent issuance of a Request for Quotation (RFQ) by the Brazilian Army highlights the formal and transparent approach being taken to explore domestic and international air defense options. This RFQ process is critical to ensuring that Brazil selects a system that offers optimal performance, cost-effectiveness, and strategic advantage.
The broader context
This defense acquisition initiative surprised many in Brazil Marketplacegiven that it was previously assumed that the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) would manage high-altitude air defense systems, while the Army would focus on short- and medium-range systems. The new directive requiring a feasibility study within 90 days reflects a broader strategic shift, underscoring the Army’s growing role in national air defense.
Moving on
As Brazil moves forward with this critical assessment, the results will have profound implications for its national security and international relations. The decision between India’s Akash and China’s Sky Dragon systems is more than a mere technical choice; it represents a strategic alignment that will shape Brazil’s defense landscape for years to come.