On May 19-20, representatives of the Brazilian Ministry of Defense (MD) participated in the 2nd edition of SC Expo Defense-Fair of Technologies and Defense Products, at Florianópolis Air Base, Santa Catarina state. The event reinforced the importance of developing the Defense sector, which, in addition to the technological and productive aspects of the Armed Forces, ensures the country’s sovereignty.
At the Ministry of Defense booth, participants could learn more about MD’s actions in favor of the sector’s national industry, through the Secretariat of Defense Products. On the occasion, the Navy, Army, and Air Force presented their strategic projects, with emphasis on the role of the Defense Industrial Base.
Nuclear submarine
The Naval Force displayed vessels and aircraft, as well as prototypes of the Tamandaré Class Frigate, one of the most modern naval projects with high combat power. The Brazilian Navy also presented a scale model of the first Brazilian Nuclear Propulsion Submarine (SN-BR), “Álvaro Alberto.” The SN-BR is part of the Submarine Development Program (PROSUB), which will provide the Brazilian defense industry with state-of-the-art nuclear technology. PROSUB also includes four other Brazilian conventional submarines.
The visitors got to know the Guarani armored vehicles and the new armaments of the ASTROS 2020 system, projects of the Brazilian Army Land Force. The Guarani is equipped with weapons, command and control, and communications systems, allowing it to act in a broad spectrum of conflicts. About 90 percent of the components used in its manufacture are made in Brazil. The ASTROS 2020 is a project to manufacture multiple long-range, high-precision rocket launchers.
KC-390 Millennium
The Brazilian Air Force presentation included the KC-390 Millennium, the largest military aircraft ever produced in Brazil, with capacity to transport troops and cargo, refuel other aircraft in flight, perform aeromedical evacuation, launch paratroopers, and fight fires. In addition, visitors could visit a life-size replica of the new F-39 Gripen multi-mission fighter jet, used in air defense, attack, and reconnaissance actions.
The 2nd SC Expo Defense is coordinated by the Defense Industry Committee, in partnership with the Federation of Industries of the Santa Catarina state and the Air Force Staff. The fair’s program included rounds of negotiations and symposiums to discuss challenges in the sector and business opportunities at the national and international level. The event brought together professionals from the sector, civil and military authorities, government representatives, and academics.
