Brazil's defence ministry has expressed its intention to acquire unmanned air vehicles to monitor its borders, with the requirement likely to be contested by Denel's Bateleur and Elbit Systems' Hermes 450 design.
Denel has offered its Bateleur system to Brazil and discussions are under way, with the South African company hoping to secure the launch customer for its design, which has a 15m (49ft) wingspan and a mission endurance of around 20h.
Elbit, meanwhile, hopes to build on its existing relationship with Brazil's defence establishment, which includes its work with Embraer on a BR upgrade to the air force's Northrop F-5 fighters.
Initial discussions are being made through its wholly owned Aeroelectronica Industria de Componentes Avionicos subsidiary in Porto Alegre, which manufactures advanced electronics equipment and delivers logistics support for Elbit products.
Source: Flight International
