On June 21, 2024, the Brazilian Army issued Ordinance EME/C Ex. No. 1.338/2024, which authorizes the launch of the Medium/High Altitude Air Defense Artillery System Project (Pjt Sis AAAe Me Altu/G Altu). This initiative is part of the Army’s Strategic Program for Air Defense (Prg EE DAAe).
This announcement surprised the Brazilian defense market. Until now, it was assumed that the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) would be responsible for high-altitude air defense systems, with the Army focusing only on short and medium-range defense projects.
A Feasibility Study (EV) for the project must be presented to the Chief of Staff of the Army (EME), General Richard Fernandez Nunes, within 90 days. Article 2 of the Ordinance specifies the team responsible for conducting the study, including representatives from the Army Staff (EME), the Logistics Command (COLOG), the Land Operations Command (COTER), the Department of Science and Technology (DCT), the Department of Engineering and Construction (DEC), the Department of Education and Culture of the Army (DECEx), and the Southeast Military Command (CMSE).
In November 2023, the Brazilian Army issued a Request for Quote (RFQ) to investigate the prices of medium-altitude air defense systems available in national and international markets. A second RFQ was published in February 2024 to gather additional information.
During a public hearing of the Commission on Foreign Relations and National Defense (CREDN) at the Chamber of Deputies in April, Army Commander General Tomás Miguel Paiva expressed concern about the lack of medium and high-altitude air defense systems in the country.