Brazil is negotiating to purchase 23 McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawks from Kuwait to equip its aircraft carrier, the Minas Gerias. The A-4s will be owned by the Brazilian navy, which was given permission late last year to operate fixed wing aircraft.
The navy was previously only allowed to fly helicopters, with the Brazilian air force operating a detachment of Grumman S-2 patrol aircraft from the 55 year old carrier. The Minas Gerias, purchased from the UK in 1956, will be overhauled to restore to operation its catapult and arrester gear, which is not required by the S-2s.
Kuwait has been trying to sell its 20 A-4KUs and three two-seat TA-4KUs since the A-4s were replaced by 40 Boeing F/A-18C/Ds in 1991. The deal is thought to be worth about $70 million.
Source: Flight International
