The Brazilian air force has confirmed its selection of South African company Denel’s A-Darter as the infrared-guided, short-range air-to-air-missile for its modernised Northrop F-5EM/FM fighters and AMX International A-1M strike aircraft.
Brazil’s defence ministry has sponsored local company Mectron to participate in developing Denel’s A-Darter, in a move which could also open the way for its involvement in the development of the South African firm’s R-Darter beyond visual-range air-to-air-missile.
The defence ministry declines to outline precise details of Mectron’s involvement in the A-Darter project, but its initial stake of $52 million is around 30% higher than expected. Brazilian air force sources say total investment in the programme could exceed $100 million.
Source: Flight International