UAE, Brazil Forge Defense Advancements with Anti-Ship Missile Procurement

In a significant stride toward bolstering their defense capabilities, both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Brazilian Navy have recently inked substantial procurement agreements for the National Surface Anti-Ship Missile (MANSUP) series.

These agreements, amounting to a combined total of approximately AED 1.702 billion ($463 million), underscore a strategic partnership to advance technologically advanced defense systems.

UAE’s Endeavor for Enhanced Defense Capabilities

The UAE Armed Forces have demonstrated their commitment to fortifying their defense arsenal by signing a Letter of Intent with the EDGE Group, a global leader in advanced technology and defense, to purchase the MANSUP-Extended Range (ER) and its shorter-range variant.

Valued at AED 1.102 billion (approximately $327 million), this recent agreement exemplifies the UAE’s proactive approach to acquiring state-of-the-art defense systems.

Proudly, Made in the UAE 🇦🇪🦾

MANSUP-ER by @_edgegroup pic.twitter.com/Dg8yt3XUdM

— حسن سجواني 🇦🇪 Hassan Sajwani (@HSajwanization) November 15, 2023

Mansour AlMulla, Managing Director & CEO of EDGE Group, emphasized the significance of international partnerships and technological excellence in the success of the MANSUP program.

The commitment from the UAE Armed Forces underscores the system’s superior capabilities and the rapid progression from design to manufacturing, positioning the UAE as a pivotal player in the global defense industry ecosystem.

“Our expanding partnerships in Brazil, particularly with the Brazilian Navy, are enabling us to leverage our experience and expertise to develop advanced defence capabilities and other related technologies across multiple domains,” AlMulla said in a statement.

“We are confident that the MANSUP-ER system will disrupt the domination held for years by existing incumbent solutions.”

Brazil’s Strategic Collaboration and Technological Advancements

Simultaneously, the Brazilian Navy solidified its collaboration with EDGE Group by signing a deal worth approximately AED 600 million (about $163.36 million) for the procurement of the MANSUP and its -ER version.

This strategic move by Brazil marks a significant milestone in augmenting its defense capabilities and fostering technological advancements.

EDGE announces the sale of extended range National Surface Anti-Ship Missiles (MANSUP-ER), and the sale of the shorter-range version of the advanced system, to the Brazilian Navy in a deal worth approximately AED 0.6 billion: https://t.co/yhvY5tAZZh#EDGE #TomorrowBeginsNow pic.twitter.com/xuR7H36cl2

— EDGE (@_edgegroup) November 14, 2023

The co-development of the MANSUP-ER systems with SIATT, a Brazilian Smart Weapons and High-Tech System specialist, in which EDGE holds a 50 percent share, signifies a shared commitment to innovation.

Rear Admiral Marcelo Menezes Cardoso highlighted the partnership’s importance in enhancing naval capabilities and safeguarding maritime interests, solidifying Brazil’s position in cutting-edge defense technology.

“This collaboration is a testament to our joint commitment to innovation in the co-development of state-of-the-art defence technology to enhance our naval capabilities and safeguard our maritime interests,” Cardoso said.

Advancements in MANSUP Missile Systems

The MANSUP missile series, developed by a consortium of Brazilian firms, including Avibras, Mectron, Atech, and Omnisys, presents a significant advancement in surface anti-ship missile technology.

The system, designed to replace the Brazilian Navy’s Exocet MM40 Block 1, underwent rigorous testing, validating its capabilities.

Discover the specifications of the all-weather, extended range National Surface Anti-Ship Missile (MANSUP-ER), developed to meet the defence requirements of navies and armed forces around the world.#EDGE #TomorrowBeginsNow #TheFutureIsHere pic.twitter.com/0JXpjvutD7

— EDGE (@_edgegroup) November 15, 2023

The extended-range variant, MANSUP-ER, boasting a striking distance of 200 kilometers and featuring adaptive sea-skimming abilities, inertial guidance, and active radar homing, stands out as a globally competitive solution.

Its adaptability for integration onto selected air and land systems further underscores its versatility.

Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships

The commitments from both the UAE and Brazilian Armed Forces signify the strength of international partnerships and the exchange of technological expertise. The success of the MANSUP program reflects the power of collaboration between nations and the shared pursuit of technological excellence.

Co-development Initiatives

The collaboration between EDGE, SIATT, and the Brazilian Navy is pivotal in developing cutting-edge defense solutions. The extensive testing of MANSUP solutions by Brazil’s naval fleet demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the system’s efficacy and reliability.

Impact and Future Prospects

Global Recognition and Market Interest

The proactive approach by the UAE and Brazil in procuring the advanced MANSUP systems signifies global recognition of their capabilities.

EDGE Group’s engagement in discussions with multiple potential customers for the long-range surface-to-surface missile points toward significant market interest and possible future collaborations.

United Arab Emirates – Brazil

Brazil signs an agreement with the United Arab Emirates and authorizes that country to manufacture its MANSUP missiles.

The Brazilian company EDGE, manufacturer of the MANSUP and MANSUP-ER anti-ship missiles, signed a contract with the United Arab… pic.twitter.com/HYtKdOE7te

— ACONTECENDO (@Acontece_ndo) November 16, 2023

Technological Advancements and Innovation

The rapid progression from design to testing and manufacturing of the MANSUP systems highlights the innovative drive of EDGE Group and its contribution to establishing the UAE as a frontrunner in the global defense industry.

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The recent procurement agreements between the United Arab Emirates and the Brazilian Navy for the MANSUP missile series mark a monumental achievement in defense technology.

These strategic alliances fortify both nations’ defense capabilities and signify a shared commitment to innovation, technological excellence, and international cooperation.

As the MANSUP systems continue to undergo rigorous testing and garner global interest, they stand poised to redefine the landscape of advanced anti-ship missile technology and solidify the UAE and Brazil’s position in the global defense market.

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