Air force seeks renewed F-X BR fighter bids as AMX modernisation reaches final phase
After many of its procurement programmes were postponed earlier this year, the Brazilian air force has received government go-ahead to resume its more urgent projects.
In October, a meeting was held with the four remaining contenders in the F-X BR fighter competition after RSK withdrew its MiG-29SMT from the contest. The Brazilian air force will receive new bids in early November and has said it will entertain any specification changes submitted by the contending parties to improve their chances. This has apparently led to a change in the Dassault/Embraer proposal: the Franco-Brazilian partnership is now offering a tailored version of the Mirage 2000-9 as opposed to the earlier Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 entry. The three remaining proposals - the Sukhoi Su-35, Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 50/52+ and Saab/BAE Systems JAS 39C Gripen - have reportedly not undergone significant change. According to Brazilian air force chief Lt Brig Luiz Carlos da Silva Bueno, the new proposals will be examined during the final two months of this year with an eye on a decision next January.
The long-postponed modernisation of the air force's 53 Alenia/ Aermacchi/Embraer AMX A-1 strike aircraft has entered its final stage and contract signature is expected in November. Valued at $300 million, the programme will raise the aircraft to A-1M standard, which includes installation of the SCP-01 Scipio radar, HOTAS-configured and NVG-compatible cockpit with a 24 field-of-view head-up display and two 152 x 203mm (6 x 8in) and one 127 x 127mm multifunction displays. The modernisation will also include the installation of a Rohde & Schwarz datalink.
Other near-term air force procurements include 12 EADS CasaC295 light tactical transports, and overhaul and modernisation of eight Lockheed P-3BOrion maritime surveillance aircraft, for a combined value of $596 million.
Meanwhile, Bell Helicopter Textron has been selected to modernise the air force's fleet of UH-1H helicopters. The service is also understood to be detailing the requirements for up to 25 attack helicopters, to be employed primarily in counternarcotic operations within the Amazon region.
Source: Flight International
