Brazilian Ministry of Defense (MoD) takes interest in purchasing Pantsir-S1 air defense systems and Igla man-portable air defense systems, Lenta.ru reports.
Negotiations on deliveries of these weapons are scheduled for late February 2013, when Dmitry Medvedev will visit Brazil. The amount of such contract is assessed at $1 billion.
A top-manager of Russian Technologies State Corporation confirmed that negotiations with Brazil regarding deliveries of the air defense systems are underway. It is expected that the corresponding agreement will be signed in 2013. This agreement will pave the way for signing other contracts with Brazil in the area of military-technical cooperation. Further details related to the deal have not been unveiled.
After signing the agreement Russia will be able to transfer technologies and launch the production of the air defense systems in Brazil in the network of a joint venture.
It was reported earlier that Russia and Brazil are going to start development of an integrated air defense system on behalf of Brazilian MoD. The details related to the project are unknown. Russia has already offered several types of air defense systems to Brazil, including “Tor”.
Russia and Brazil have been partners since 2008, when the corresponding intergovernmental agreement was signed. According to Russian Technologies, the total cost of weapons and military equipment delivered to Brazil during a period from 2008 to 2012 is $306,7 million. In particular, a contract on delivery of 12 Mi-35M transport and attack helicopters was signed in 2009.
According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia has delivered 150 Shturm anti-tank missiles, 250 Igla-S man-portable air defense systems and 9 Mi-35M helicopters to Brazil during a period from 2008 to 2011. In addition, Russian Technologies and Odebrecht Defensa e Technologia (Brazil) signed a memorandum in December 2012 regarding production of Mi-171 helicopters in Brazil.
