According to information published by the Rio Times on July 7, 2025, Brazil is in discussions with Italy to purchase the Enhanced Modular Air Defense Solutions (EMADS) system developed by MBDA, a prominent European defense company. This potential acquisition is part of Brazil’s broader initiative to strengthen its medium-range air defense capabilities and respond to the growing complexity of aerial threats in the region. The talks mark a significant development in Brazil’s defense modernization strategy and could lead to a major procurement from a NATO-aligned supplier.
MBDA EMADS is a modular and mobile air defense system using CAMM missiles to protect against advanced aerial threats with 360-degree coverage and networked targeting capability.
The MBDA EMADS (Enhanced Modular Air Defense Solutions ) air defense missile system is designed to provide flexible, scalable air defense against a wide spectrum of threats, including cruise missiles, precision-guided munitions, fast jets, and helicopters. Central to the system is the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM), which employs active radar guidance and soft-launch technology to increase survivability and reduce the system’s radar signature. Its open architecture allows integration with a range of surveillance radars and command-and-control networks, making it adaptable to the operational needs of the Brazilian Armed Forces.
Originally developed for land-based operations, EMADS is a rapidly deployable point and area defense solution capable of protecting mobile and static high-value assets in all weather conditions. It is currently in operational service with the United Kingdom and in production for the Italian Armed Forces, where it will replace the SPADA system. The EMADS architecture allows the system to operate autonomously or be integrated within a wider battlespace network. Its use of Soft Vertical Launch (SVL) technology enables true 360-degree engagement capability, and its compact design allows deployment from concealed positions including urban and woodland environments. Each launcher can carry multiple CAMM or CAMM-ER missiles, enabling high rates of fire against multiple simultaneous threats. Target updates via secure data links enhance the system’s effectiveness against fast, maneuvering aerial targets.
The Brazilian Army currently operates a limited and aging inventory of air defense systems, mainly focused on short-range and very short-range protection. These include the 35mm Gepard 1A2 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun systems acquired from Germany, the RBS 70 and RBS 70 NG man-portable air-defense systems from Sweden, and the Russian-made 9K38 Igla (SA-18) and its modernized variant, the 9K338 Igla-S (RS-SA-24 Grinch), both shoulder-fired infrared-guided missiles. In addition, the Army employs locally developed radars such as the SABER M60 and M200, produced by Embraer subsidiary BRADAR, which are used for target acquisition and early warning.
To address its gaps in medium-range air defense, the Brazilian Army launched the Strategic Program for Anti-Aircraft Defense (Prg EE DAAe), which aims to modernize and structure a multi-layered air defense network. The initiative prioritizes the acquisition of a medium-range system capable of integrating with national radar and command infrastructure, providing coverage against a wide array of aerial threats including low-observable and high-speed targets. The project was officially approved in early 2024, and since then, several options have been under evaluation, including international systems with industrial cooperation potential.
Brazil has made clear its intention to select a solution that not only meets operational requirements but also allows for long-term sustainability, local industry participation, and eventual technology transfer. In this context, EMADS has emerged as a strong candidate due to its modularity, interoperability with existing Brazilian systems, and MBDA’s willingness to engage in localized production and support. The system’s vertical launch configuration and active seeker technology offer a significant technological edge over legacy systems currently in service. Additionally, EMADS benefits from optimized logistics, including rapid missile reloads and a low support equipment footprint, making it suitable for sustained operations with minimal manpower.
If the negotiations with Italy and MBDA conclude successfully, Brazil would become the first Latin American country to field a modular, NATO-standard medium-range air defense system. The acquisition would substantially enhance Brazil’s ability to defend critical infrastructure, strategic assets, and military formations, while reinforcing its status as a defense technology leader in the region.
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