India declines selling Ultra Akash Air Defence System to Brazil.

Brazil has left negotiating for the purchase of India’s Akash air defense system, as India is unwilling to offer the system’s latest version. The medium-to-long range system was considered for bolstering the Brazilian Army’s air-defense capabilities — currently restricted to an altitude of 3,000 meters (9,843 feet). The Brazilian side was interested in discussing the latest version of the Akash, which features Israeli components, according to Media.

However, the system’s state-owned manufacturers — Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics — were only willing to offer the previous version whose intellectual property is entirely their own. The same has been authenticated by the Brazilian Army officials. The negotiators were expecting a government-to-government deal worth around 5 billion Indian rupees ($60 million), with the combined sale of Embraer KC-390 aircraft to India.

In light of the development, the Brazilian Army has opened negotiations with Italy for the acquisition of the Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions, or EMADS, system. The MBDA system features the CAMM surface-to-air missile, with a range of 25 kilometers (16 miles), and the CAMM-ER’s 45 kilometers (28 miles).

In comparison, the battle-tested Akash has an operational range of 30 kilometers (19 miles), and an altitude of 18,000 meters (59,055 feet).

Another reason for considering the EMADS is that the system is part of the Brazilian Navy’s new Tamandaré Class frigates being locally constructed. Opting for the MBDA system will streamline its necessary logistical support, training, and infrastructure.

Faced with the growing threat of global conflicts, the country’s ground forces are seeking to reduce a significant vulnerability. Currently, air interception capabilities with surface-launched missiles do not exceed targets above 3,000 meters in altitude. To fill this gap, the Army had been discussing the acquisition of the Indian Akash system, designed for medium- and long-range air defense. This system would consolidate Brazil’s leadership in Latin America against the threat of enemy aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.

Team Maverick