BRASÍLIA — April 21, 2026 : The Brazilian Armed Forces are continuing efforts to address a critical gap in long-range precision strike and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) capabilities, as no operational cruise missiles or anti-radiation missiles are currently fielded across the services. The absence extends to both domestically developed systems and commercially available foreign acquisitions, leaving Brazil without dedicated assets in these categories.
At present, the longest-range strike capability available within Brazil’s land forces remains the unguided SS-80 rocket, produced by Avibras for the ASTROS II multiple-launch rocket system. The SS-80 has a maximum range of 90 kilometers and lacks precision guidance, underscoring the limitations in current deep-strike options.
Interim Capability Through MANSUP-ER
Near-term capability development is centered on the MANSUP-ER (Extended Range) missile program, led by SIATT in partnership with the UAE-based EDGE Group. Originally designed as an anti-ship missile, the system is scheduled to conduct its first launches in the coming months.
Technical specifications indicate that MANSUP-ER has a range of approximately 200 kilometers and carries a 150-kilogram fragmentation warhead. The missile integrates an inertial navigation system (INS) combined with GPS guidance and supports flexible three-dimensional waypoint programming. An onboard altimeter enables low-altitude flight profiles, allowing the system to operate effectively over land and maritime environments. This dual-role capability positions MANSUP-ER as an interim solution for land-attack missions while dedicated cruise missile systems remain under development.
Anti-Radiation Capability Development
Brazil currently lacks operational anti-radiation missiles, which are required to target and neutralize radar systems and integrated air defense networks. SIATT has outlined a development pathway based on the MANSUP-ER platform to address this requirement.
The proposed solution involves adapting the air-launched variant, MARSUP, by integrating a passive radar seeker and proximity fuse into the existing airframe. This configuration is expected to retain a range exceeding 200 kilometers and a 150-kilogram warhead. Development studies for the MARSUP program began in early 2026 under a memorandum of understanding with the Brazilian Navy. SIATT has presented conceptual designs and mock-ups of both cruise missile and anti-radiation variants, supported by prior testing progress within the MANSUP program.
Avibras Programs and Judicial Recovery
Brazil’s primary long-range missile development efforts have historically been led by Avibras, which entered judicial recovery proceedings following financial difficulties. Prior to this, the company had progressed significantly on multiple cruise missile programs.
The AV-TM 300 (also referred to as MTC-300) is a surface-launched tactical cruise missile designed for deployment from the ASTROS II system. The missile has a range of approximately 300 kilometers, subsonic speed near Mach 0.85, and is powered by a turbojet engine. Guidance is provided through a combined GPS and INS system, with a circular error probable of less than 30 meters. Warhead configurations range from 200 to 500 kilograms, including unitary high-explosive fragmentation types. The program reached approximately 90 percent completion before development was halted, with only final warhead firing tests and certification remaining.
In addition to the AV-TM 300, Avibras developed the MICLA-BR air-launched cruise missile for integration with the Brazilian Air Force’s F-39 Gripen fleet, as well as a proposed naval variant designated AV-TCM AN, expected to have a comparatively shorter range. These systems were designed to achieve ranges between 300 and 1,000 kilometers and utilize the indigenous TJ1000 turbojet engine.
Avibras entered a restructuring phase with new management and a controlling shareholder appointed in August 2025. The company is currently working toward financial stabilization through creditor agreements and government support. As part of its recovery plan, Avibras has indicated it will resume certification activities for the AV-TM 300 and re-offer the MICLA-BR program to the Brazilian Air Force.
Industry Participation and Alternative Efforts
Other domestic firms have attempted to expand their role in missile development during Avibras’ restructuring period. SIATT has emerged as a primary contributor, leveraging ongoing MANSUP-related programs and international collaboration with EDGE Group to support near-term capability development.
Mac Jee has also presented a range of conceptual missile systems, including cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, anti-radiation missiles, and air-to-air weapons. In late 2025, the company acquired intellectual property rights and full design documentation for the MAR-1 anti-radiation missile and the MAA-1B Piranha air-to-air missile, both originally developed by Mectron. Despite these acquisitions, no confirmed flight tests or operational systems have been reported from Mac Jee’s programs to date, and available materials remain limited to mock-ups and conceptual representations.
Complementary Missile Programs
In parallel with cruise missile development, the Brazilian Army initiated the S+100 tactical ballistic missile program in April 2026. The system is intended to complement the ASTROS II platform by expanding strike capabilities through ballistic trajectories, providing an additional approach to long-range engagement requirements.
Strategic Outlook
The restoration of Brazil’s cruise missile capability is closely tied to the outcome of Avibras’ judicial recovery process. Given the advanced stage of the AV-TM 300 program, completion of certification remains the most direct pathway to operational deployment.
If restructuring efforts are delayed or unsuccessful, the Brazilian Army retains the option to transfer intellectual property and development responsibilities for the AV-TM 300 to another contractor. While SIATT has demonstrated technical progress and international collaboration, the development of entirely new long-range cruise missile systems would require extended timelines due to propulsion integration, guidance system validation, environmental testing, and platform compatibility requirements.
Current planning reflects a dual-track approach, combining short-term interim solutions such as MANSUP-ER with long-term reliance on completing existing Avibras programs. The absence of operational cruise and anti-radiation missiles continues to limit Brazil’s ability to conduct long-range precision strikes and SEAD missions, with ongoing domestic programs intended to close this capability gap across land, air, and naval platforms.
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