Aerospace industry in Latin America

A21 Editorial / Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 01:00
THE AIRCRAFT COMPANY SHOWCASES THE CAPABILITIES OF ITS TANKER AIRCRAFT TO SENIOR NATO MILITARY COMMANDERS IN LAS VEGAS, HIGHLIGHTING ITS GLOBAL GROWTH AND FULL OPERATIONAL AVAILABILITY

Embraer
Embraer Defense & Security participated in the 47th annual Air Refueling Systems Advisory Group (ARSAG) conference, held from April 29 to May 1 in Las Vegas, Nevada (USA), where it exhibited a KC-390 Millennium aircraft operated by the Brazilian Air Force at the Atlantic Aviation FBO facilities, located at Harry Reid International Airport.

During the event's opening, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, participated in the senior industry panel discussion, moderated by retired USAF Lieutenant General John B. Sams Jr., Chairman of the ARSAG Board, along with Richard J. Sullivan, Vice President of Growth and Strategy at Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems.

“We are very pleased to participate in ARSAG this year and to have the opportunity to present how Embraer and the KC-390 Millennium are poised to support the U.S. Department of Defense in overcoming key air-to-air refueling challenges facing the United States and its allied nations globally,” said Bosco da Costa Junior.

The executive added that this Embraer aircraft is quickly becoming the preferred choice among North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members and European allies, contributing to the modernization of their armed forces, incorporating new capabilities, and improving interoperability.

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The KC-390 is already operating in Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, and has been ordered by the Netherlands, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Sweden and Slovakia have also recently selected the model, while South Korea joins the growing list of countries that have opted for this platform.

The KC-390 Millennium is in production and has been operating for several years with full operational capability. It is an off-the-shelf platform that is now available, capable of offering an affordable and mass-market solution for the US and global markets to address emerging threats.

This ARSAG forum brings together the US Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Army with NATO members and allies from 20 nations, with the goal of promoting best practices and strengthening security in joint military operations and aerial refueling systems.

 
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The drone's design incorporates a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 160 kilograms, including a payload capacity of 20 kilograms and a fuel weight allowance of up to 46 kilograms. This balance between weight and capability ensures that the Anshar can deliver its payload precisely while maintaining extended operational range and speed. Such specifications not only highlight the drone's kamikaze mission profile but also its potential for varied military applications, from reconnaissance to direct engagement.

The Anshar stands out not only for its technological prowess but also for its operational efficiency. Designed to operate at a stunning maximum speed of 170 meters per second (approximately 612 kilometers per hour), it showcases versatility in altitude capabilities, with a minimum operational altitude of ten meters and a maximum reach of 8,000 meters. This adaptability ensures the drone's effectiveness in a variety of combat scenarios, from low-altitude engagements to high-altitude missions. Moreover, with a range of 100 kilometers and flight autonomy extending up to an hour, the Anshar can effectively engage targets at significant distances, enhancing its role as a strategic asset in military operations.

Set to be manufactured at Mac Jee's facilities in Vale do Paraíba, São Paulo, its production underscores Mac Jee's role as a pivotal player in the Brazilian Defense Industry Base, expanding the market reach of Brazilian-made defense solutions.


 
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The prototype, designed for national security tasks, stands out for its autonomy, communications capabilities, and operational versatility.
Andrea Torres
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April 24, 2025
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At the FAMEX 2025 event, Enrique Gerardo Sosa, rector of the Universidad Aeráutica in Querétaro (UNAQ), commented on the project, which highlighted technological innovation for national security.

"It's a drone with robust autonomy and communications capabilities, developed over two years in conjunction with Sedena (National Security Forces). It is already in its prototype phase, and we are about to begin flight testing,” explained the rector.

The model on display is designed to perform surveillance and defense tasks, with a command and control center capable of long-distance operations and a vertical or traditional takeoff and landing system, giving it broad operational versatility.

In addition to its focus on security, the project seeks to contribute to job creation, economic development, and the country's technological self-sufficiency. According to Sosa, “a drone of this type is very expensive on the international market, but manufactured with Mexican technology, it can cost only a fraction, allowing the government to acquire more units and thus strengthen security conditions.”

Nearly 20 students and 10 faculty members from UNAQ participated in the development, along with technical staff from Sedena (National Aeronautical Ministry) and CIDEFAM (National Aeronautical Commission for the Defense of the Nation).

The degree programs involved included engineering in aeronautical mechanical design, electronics, aircraft systems control, and aeronautical manufacturing.

“It's a project that requires many diverse capabilities due to its complex electronics, its display system, and the batteries that allow for high autonomy,” Sosa stated.

A long-term collaboration
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Photo: Miguel Flores
The alliance between UNAQ and the Ministry of Aerospace and Space Administration (Sedena) is not new. The Querétaro university has worked with the Ministry for more than a decade, consolidating a relationship that has allowed it to evolve from simple projects to developments of greater technical complexity.

“Today we have more than one active project with the Ministry of Aerospace and Space Administration (Sedena) and also with the Ministry of the Navy. We can't discuss all of them due to confidentiality, but this particular drone is being exhibited at FAMEX because it represents a watershed in terms of technical and technological scope,” the rector stated.

With this presentation, UNAQ reaffirms its role as a strategic player in national aerospace development, supporting the development of talent, innovation, and technological sovereignty from Querétaro.

With information from Miguel Flores


 

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb_Rx8kOUi0

Welcome to our exclusive video interview recorded at Eurosatory 2024, featuring the innovative Brazilian defense company, Mac Jee. Known for its groundbreaking advancements in military technology, Mac Jee is rapidly expanding its global presence. With significant investments in Europe and the United States, and plans for future expansion into the Middle East, Mac Jee is establishing itself as a formidable player on the international defense stage. Today, we delve into their latest products, including the versatile Armadillo rocket launcher, state-of-the-art bombs, and the cutting-edge ANSHAR loitering munitions. Join us as we explore Mac Jee's vision, innovations, and strategic plans for the future.
 

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