Brazil Navy Acquire First Batch of Indigenous MANSUP Anti-Ship Missiles

In a major step toward military self-reliance and naval modernization, the Brazilian Navy has signed a contract for the acquisition of its first batch of 16 domestically developed MANSUP (Míssil Antinavio de Superfície) anti-ship missiles. The contract, awarded to the Brazilian defense technology company SIATT, marks a pivotal moment in a program that has been decades in the making and reflects Brazil's growing emphasis on indigenous defense capabilities.

The MANSUP is designed to replace the aging MBDA Exocet MM40 Block II missiles currently in use aboard several classes of Brazilian naval vessels. With a range of approximately 70 kilometers, a top speed of 1,000 km/h (Mach 0.8–0.9), and an advanced dual-mode guidance system combining inertial navigation with active radar homing, the missile is optimized for sea-skimming flight — making it hard to detect and intercept by enemy air defense systems.

This modern missile will be deployed across a wide range of Brazilian naval platforms. These include the current Greenhalgh- and Niterói-class frigates, the Barroso corvette, and the upcoming Tamandaré-class frigates, which form the core of Brazil’s next-generation naval surface fleet. Importantly, the MANSUP will also be integrated into land-based coastal defense units operated by the Brazilian Marine Corps. By adapting the Astros II artillery platform to launch the missile — without needing to modify the missile itself — Brazil has significantly enhanced its ability to conduct littoral operations and deter threats along its vast Atlantic coastline.

A Long Road to Domestic Capability

The MANSUP missile’s development journey began in the 1980s under a program then known as Barracuda, a collaborative effort between the Brazilian Navy and aerospace firm AVIBRAS. However, years of underfunding and shifting priorities caused delays, until momentum picked up in 2009 with a technology transfer deal from European missile manufacturer MBDA. This agreement allowed Brazil to modernize old missile technologies, upgrade its electronics, and re-engine the design, breathing new life into the program.

The modern version of the MANSUP has been co-developed by a consortium of Brazilian defense firms, including AVIBRAS, Atech, Omnisys, and the Ezute Foundation. SIATT — formed from the former Mectron and now part of the UAE-based EDGE Group — took over the lead role in 2015 and now spearheads final development and production.

To date, seven MANSUP missiles have been test-launched: three initial prototype trials, followed by four additional launches to validate subsystems and complete partial certifications. Another three test firings are scheduled for late 2025, which will conclude the missile’s full qualification phase and pave the way for large-scale serial production.

Eye on the Future: MANSUP-ER Variant

While the standard MANSUP missile fills an immediate capability gap, Brazil and its partners are already looking ahead to the MANSUP-ER (Extended Range) variant. This future version is expected to have a significantly increased range — potentially double — and advanced networking capabilities for mid-course guidance updates, making it a credible long-range strike option for Brazil’s growing blue-water navy.

The acquisition of these missiles is more than just a weapons purchase — it represents Brazil’s commitment to building strategic autonomy in the defense sector. With SIATT and its partners now holding key missile production and R&D capabilities, Brazil is well positioned to join the ranks of nations with full-spectrum domestic missile design, testing, and manufacturing infrastructure.

In a world where maritime tensions and great power rivalries are once again on the rise, the MANSUP program is not just a matter of defense — it is a declaration of Brazil’s intention to safeguard its territorial waters, protect its economic interests, and play a stronger role in global security from a position of technological independence.