SANTIAGO, Chile — Brazil’s Air Force and Embraer are beginning a joint study to adapt aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. General Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno and João Bosco Costa Jr. made the announcement during the FIDAE air show in Santiago, Chile.
A decision on replacing the P-3AM Orion maritime patrol aircraft by 2031 is underway. Companies like Boeing and Airbus are eager to win the potential contract. Boeing is targeting Brazil as the first potential customer in the region for the P-8 maritime patrol aircraft.
The exploration of oil and gas reserves in Brazil’s littoral areas in the late 1990s led to the need to improve maritime surveillance capabilities. The purchase of former U.S. Navy P-3A aircraft in the early 2000s was followed by upgrades to increase range, endurance, and mission capabilities.
However, the maintenance costs for the P-3AM fleet have risen significantly, prompting the consideration of new aircraft options like the C-390. Developing an MPA version of the C-390 is popular but feasibility is yet to be determined, with a decision expected by 2026.
