BAE Systems would be the principal contractor under two potential Foreign Military Sales for upgrade kits to Brazil for self-propelled howitzers and M113 armored personnel carriers approved by the State Department, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency told Congress June 11.
Brazil requested an estimated $110 million possible sale of 40 M109A5 kits to upgrade 40 M109A5 Self Propelled Howitzers to the M109A5+ configuration, spare and repair parts, support equipment, as well as related elements of logistics and program support.
This equipment will be used to modernize its artillery and improve the Brazilian armed forces’ readiness. The reconfigured howitzers will provide the Brazilian army with a much needed upgrade to this capability while further enhancing interoperability with U.S. and other military forces, DSCA said in a statement.
A second potential sale, valued at an estimated $131 million, is a possible sale of 434 M113A2MK1 Kits to upgrade M113 Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the M113A2MK1 configuration. The sale would include spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, support services, program and logistics support.
Brazil will use this upgrade equipment to modernize and improve its fleet of armored personnel carriers, DSCA said. The M113A2MK1 APCs will provide the Brazilian Army with a more reliable, agile and effective infantry vehicle capability. Implementing this sale would require two government or contractor representatives to go to Brazil for as long as seven years to provide technical assistance during the upgrades.
There are no known offset agreements for either potential FMS.