Brazil intends to develop a long-range cruise missile to equip the 36 Gripen (F-39) fighter jets that it entrusted to the Swedish manufacturer SAAB. The development of the future missile was the subject of a memorandum of understanding signed by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and Avibras Industria Aeroespacial, a Brazilian manufacturer with long experience in the production of this type of weapon. The new missile project was named MICLA-BR.
The objective of the agreement is to develop a family of air-launched long-range cruise missiles. The new ammunition is expected to be based on the AV-TM 300 cruise missile project, which Avibras is expected to complete by the end of 2020. This ammunition is being developed to be launched from a ground-based mobile installation.
The MICLA-BR aviation cruise missile will be able to hit targets at ranges of up to 300 kilometers. The ammunition is planned to be used to destroy enemy radar installations, command posts, and communication centers. The agreement seeks the development of “a reliable, efficient and state-of-the-art product that can meet the operational needs of the Air Force,” according to the statement.
Currently, the Brazilian military is testing a nationally developed MANSUP anti-ship cruise missile. The cruise missile is 5.6 meters long. In-flight, the ammunition develops a speed of up to one thousand kilometers per hour. The missile is capable of hitting enemy surface targets at a range of up to 70 kilometers. MANSUP is equipped with a radar homing head.
