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Brazil advances towards military independence: FAB develops its own aerial identification system and negotiates the powerful BrahMos NG missile, with a range of 800 km, strengthening its strategic defense.
The Brazilian Air Force – FAB reached a historic milestone by developing a friend or foe air identification system (IFF), strengthening its presence among nations with expertise in this technology. At the same time, Brazil is advancing in negotiations for the purchase of the BrahMos NG cruise missile, positioning itself as an emerging power on the global stage.
Understand the importance of the FAB's air identification system
These achievements reinforce the country’s ability to innovate and achieve technological independence in defense, traditionally dominated by foreign powers. The capability of the airborne identification system is fundamental to any modern air force.
This feature, technically called IFF (Identification Friend or Foe), allows fighters, ships, radars and anti-aircraft systems identify aircraft in real time, optimizing actions during combat operations.
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Until recently, only a select group of countries had the autonomy to develop this technology. Now, the FAB joins this select group with the CM-4B system, the result of more than a decade of research. The CM-4B project was led by the Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAE) in partnership with the Aeronautics Computing Center, both located in São José dos Campos.
Since 2008, FAB's efforts have been directed towards developing a compact and efficient solution, culminating in a piece of equipment weighing just 500 grams, but with immeasurable strategic impact.
The FAB's air identification system emits encrypted algorithms that allow fighters like the F-39 Gripen, from the FAB, identify, in real time, whether another aircraft detected is friendly or enemy. This advance represents an important leap forward for national sovereignty, reducing Brazil's dependence on imported technologies, often controlled by military alliances such as NATO.
Brazil also advances with cruise missile
The airborne identification system will undergo final qualification in February 2025, when the first prototypes will be flight tested.
Certification is expected to take place in November of the same year, paving the way for the industrialization and integration of the system into the Brazilian Air Force's operational equipment. With this technology, the FAB strengthens its defensive capabilities, ensuring greater security in joint activities and standing out on the international scene.
In addition to progress with the air identification system, Brazil is in advanced negotiations to purchase the BrahMos NG cruise missile, a high-precision weapon developed in partnership between India and Russia. The missile has a range of up to 800 km and is capable of hitting land and sea targets at supersonic speed.
The integration of this missile into Brazilian Air Force platforms, such as Gripen fighters, as well as the Navy and Riachuelo-class submarines, will significantly expand the country's strategic deterrence capabilities.
Brazil stands out with the most advanced weapons in the world
Brazil's interest in the BrahMos NG also reflects the rapprochement between Brazil and India in the field of defense. During the last G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed strengthening bilateral relations, focusing on sectors such as space technology and defense systems.
This cooperation could pave the way for new joint projects, strengthening Brazil as an important player in the global defense market. By integrating technologies such as the Airborne Identification System and the BrahMos NG missile, the FAB strengthens its position as one of the most advanced in the world.
The combination of these innovations not only guarantees greater technological independence, but also projects Brazil as one of the few countries with the capacity to operate nationally developed air identification systems.
We still don't know when it will happen. With the Gripens in reduced numbers, with delivery postponed until 2050, what will happen to the operationality of this system?
The country is gradually becoming stronger, based on relations with the BRICS countries. We are moving beyond the American sphere. I hope this rapprochement with India works out.
It began to be developed in 2008, that is, in President Lula's 2nd term. Very good!!! Congratulations!