Brazil Evaluating Indian Akash, Chinese Sky Dragon for Air Defense Requirement

Brazil is reportedly evaluating the Indian-made Akash and Chinese-made Sky Dragon 50 air defense systems for its air defense needs.

This initiative follows the Brazilian Army's publication of Ordinance EME/C Ex. No. 1.338/2024 on June 21, which approves the initiation directive for the Medium Altitude/High Altitude Air Defense Artillery System project (Pjt Sis AAAe Me Altu/G Altu). The project is part of the Army’s Strategic Program for Air Defense (Prg EE DAAe).

The ordinance's release surprised the Brazilian market, as it was previously understood that the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) would handle high-altitude air defense systems while the Army would focus on short and medium-range projects. The new directive requires a Feasibility Study (EV) to be presented to the Chief of the Army General Staff (EME), General Richard Fernandez Nunes, within 90 days. The study team includes representatives from the Army General Staff (EME), Logistic Command (COLOG), Land Operations Command (COTER), Department of Science and Technology (DCT), Department of Engineering and Construction (DEC), Department of Education and Culture of the Army (DECEx), and Southeast Military Command (CMSE).

In November 2023, the Brazilian Army issued a Request for Quote (RFQ) to research the prices of medium-altitude air defense systems available nationally and internationally. A second RFQ was published in February 2024 for additional information. During a public hearing at the Committee on Foreign Relations and National Defense (CREDN) of the Chamber of Deputies in April, Army Commander General Tomás Miguel Paiva expressed concern about the lack of medium and high-altitude air defense systems in Brazil. He noted that Brazil is "relatively protected" up to 3,000 meters in altitude but lacks advanced technologies for broader national defense.

As per reports, General Paiva has suggested a "government-to-government" agreement with India to acquire the Akash anti-aircraft missile system. Additionally, he will visit China next month to evaluate the local defense industrial base and discuss potential bilateral cooperation. An Army delegation previously visited China in the second half of last year and observed a live-fire demonstration of the DK-10 medium-altitude surface-to-air missile system, also known as Sky Dragon 50 or Tianlong-50, and the SH15 self-propelled howitzer, both produced by China North Industries Corporation (Norinco).

In a recent interview, General Paiva emphasized a strategic and pragmatic approach to Brazil's relations with BRICS countries, advocating for cooperation without ideological polarization.