EDGE Group and Brazilian Navy Forge Ahead in MANSUP Missile Development for Tamandaré Frigates
In a significant milestone for naval defense, the UAE's EDGE Group has signed a strategic partnership contract with the Brazilian Navy to advance the development of Brazil's National Anti-Ship Missile (MANSUP). The collaboration, which includes Brazil's smart weapons specialist SIATT, is set to complete the missile's development by 2025, marking a major step forward in both countries' defense capabilities.
The MANSUP missile, also known as the "Missil Antinavio Nacional de Superfície," is designed to bolster Brazil's naval power, particularly in the face of modern maritime threats. Under this new contract, EDGE Group and SIATT are tasked with not only finalizing the missile's design but also ensuring its seamless integration into the Brazilian Navy's Tamandaré-class stealth frigates. These next-generation frigates, which are being constructed with advanced radar evasion capabilities, will benefit significantly from the MANSUP's precision and long-range strike ability.
What makes this agreement particularly noteworthy is its provision for the development of an extended-range version of the missile, known as the MANSUP-ER. This variant is expected to push the boundaries of the missile's strike capabilities, enabling the Brazilian Navy to target vessels at much greater distances. The MANSUP-ER’s inclusion in Brazil’s naval arsenal will not only modernize its fleet but also provide a critical edge in maritime defense, particularly in strategic zones like the South Atlantic.
Beyond missile development, this partnership will have a profound impact on Brazil's defense industry and economy. EDGE Group CFO Rodrigo Torres emphasized that this program is more than just a defense collaboration. The contract will catalyze the construction of new factories and create job opportunities, providing a major boost to Brazil’s industrial base. In São Paulo, for example, SIATT is set to expand its manufacturing capabilities, further cementing the city’s role as a hub for advanced military technology production.
This project represents a deeper integration between Brazil and the UAE’s defense industries. The collaboration also signals a strategic alignment between the Brazilian Navy and the UAE Ministry of Defence, as EDGE Group is not only set to deliver MANSUP to Brazil but is also planning to offer this technology to the UAE. This cross-border defense synergy exemplifies a growing trend of international partnerships to share cutting-edge military technologies.
From a technical perspective, the MANSUP missile boasts several features designed to provide a tactical advantage in naval engagements. While the final specifications are still under refinement, previous versions of the missile have been designed with a range of up to 70 kilometers, high subsonic speeds, and a powerful warhead capable of disabling or destroying large enemy vessels. The extended-range version, MANSUP-ER, is expected to surpass these capabilities, although exact performance details remain classified. In addition, the missile’s guidance system is expected to include both radar and GPS-assisted navigation, ensuring accuracy even in challenging maritime conditions.
The signing ceremony, attended by high-ranking officials from both the Brazilian Navy and EDGE Group, underscores the importance of this collaboration. Admiral Edgar Luiz Siqueira Barbosa, the Director General of Naval Material for the Brazilian Navy, and other senior military figures expressed their optimism about the impact this partnership will have on Brazil’s naval defense strategy. The Tamandaré-class frigates, once equipped with the MANSUP missile system, will become a key element in protecting Brazil’s coastal waters and economic zones.
This strategic partnership between EDGE Group, SIATT, and the Brazilian Navy is the latest in a series of defense collaborations aimed at enhancing military capabilities while fostering economic growth. With the MANSUP missile nearing its final development stage, Brazil and the UAE are positioning themselves as key players in the global defense industry. By 2025, the MANSUP-equipped Tamandaré frigates will stand as a testament to this powerful partnership.
