BAE Systems has been awarded a $54 million contract to provide 32 upgraded M109A5+ self-propelled howitzers to the Brazilian Army.
According to BAE, the upgrade will significantly enhance the Brazilian Army’s artillery capabilities and “build upon the company’s strong customer relationships in Brazil”.
Dean Medland, vice president of Programs at BAE Systems Combat Vehicles said:
“This contract is a great example of the strong relationship developed with the Army over many years and our close cooperation with the Brazilian military.
We look forward to continuing to support Brazil’s objectives of transferring technological know-how, participation, and the development of local industry, as well as the adaptation of solutions to Brazilian requirements.”
It is understood that BAE Systems will overhaul and upgrade 32 self-propelled howitzers to the M109A5+ configuration. The vehicles will include items specifically tailored to the Brazilian Army’s requirements.
The company will provide spares and training as well as live fire support and field service support following delivery.
The company say in a press release:
“The M109A5+ provides an increase in capabilities by digitizing the fire mission sequence. The addition of the position and navigation system, commander’s display unit, digital capable radios, weapons control system, and remotely actuated travel lock improve the time from receipt of mission to the firing of the mission by more than 80 percent over previous variants.
Work on the contract will take place at BAE Systems’ Anniston, Alabama and York, Pennsylvania facilities. Production is anticipated to begin in October with vehicle deliveries beginning in 2018. Final deliveries and the beginning of training and support in Brazil are expected to take place by the end of 2018.”
Marco Caffe, General Manager BAE Brazil said:
“BAE Systems has been working with the Brazilian Army at their Parque 5 facility in Curitiba, Brazil for four years on the Army’s upgrade of its M113B vehicles to the M113A2 Mk1 configuration.
Through this relationship, the company has delivered over 150 upgraded vehicles and is now working on the second round of upgrading 236 additional M113B vehicles.”
