New Delhi: The ongoing showpiece event LAAD 2023 from April 11 to 14 is indeed a major boost to Brazil. The event which opened yesterday saw participation by top Brazilian companies Embraer, Iveco, Helibras, and CBC Taurus, alongside representatives from the Armed Forces, state security agencies and various Brazilian municipalities and also from a large number of other countries including India.
LAAD returns with a resounding impact in 2023, following a four-year hiatus due to the global pandemic. With a record-breaking number of exhibitors representing the world’s most renowned brands in the industry, LAAD 2023 in Brazil is poised to set new trends and benchmarks. The event boasts an impressive roster of 250 exhibitors and 400 brands, including global industry giants, with an expected turnout of 45,000 visitors and 160 official delegations from across the globe.
LAAD 2023 unequivocally reflects Brazil’s immense potential and leadership in the defence and security sectors. LAAD 2023 has the institutional support of the Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Justice and the Brazilian Public Security structure. The exhibition brings together manufacturers and suppliers of technology for the Armed Forces, Police, Special Forces, high executives of defence and security industry and from Government agencies. The exhibition also brings together managers of large corporations, service concessionaires and critical infrastructure.
It is not just Brazil that is making waves at LAAD 2023. Latin America as a whole is poised to make a significant mark, with delegations from countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Peru, further amplifying the region’s prominence in the global defence and security landscape.
Besides India, other global defence manufacturers are also participating from countries including Canada, South Korea, Egypt, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, United States, Ethiopia, Philippines, Finland, France, Ghana, French Guiana, Guinea Bissau, Haiti, the UK, Germany, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Netherlands, Honduras, Italy, Jordan, Nigeria, Portugal and others.
The show also provides an opportunity to visitors to see and participate in three seminars with the themes (1) The Challenges of current Logistics (2) Logistics Management and (3) The Logistics of the Future.
With the world scenarios having undergone significant changes in recent years, implying a series of impositions in all areas, but mainly for logistics, for which, particularly in the transport and supply functions, a number of new challenges have emerged and this was the focus of the first theme. The seminar on Logistics Management explored how the efficient practice of Logistics Management can save resources and multiply capabilities, expanding the practical results of military logistics. The third one focussing on “The Logistics of the Future,” saw the discussion revolving around what technological advances can represent both threats and opportunities to mitigate risks to global logistics. Envisioning how logistics can develop in the future, especially in the face of technological advances, makes it possible to take advantage of these technologies and innovative solutions for the benefit of military logistics.
At the show, Embraer and SAAB are displaying state-of-art defence solutions which are versatile and can be used in all conditions such as during the day, at night or in foggy and dusty conditions, in tough terrains, jungles as well as urban areas. Embraer’s return to LAAD is poised to be a remarkable platform for unveiling their latest achievements in the defence and security sectors.
A key highlight of Embraer’s participation at LAAD will be the recent attainment of the Final Type Certificate for the C-390 Millennium multi-mission jet program, signifying its Full Operational Capability (FOC). This certification validates that the C-390 aircraft adheres to all the requirements outlined by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and is fully equipped to perform all the missions for which it was designed. The C-390 has already gained international recognition with orders from Portugal, Hungary, and most recently, the Netherlands, solidifying its success in the global defence market.
Embraer Defence and Security, armed with its extensive portfolio of innovative products and solutions, including the C-390 Millennium and the A-29 Super Tucano light attack and training aircraft, is showcasing its capabilities in the air, land, maritime, space, and cyber domains at LAAD. Additionally, Embraer will also unveil its radar and ground systems, featuring the cutting-edge M200 VIGILANTE radar for surveillance and early warning, along with the M20 radars for ground surveillance and the SABER M60 for low-altitude air defence applications.
Complementing Embraer’s presence at LAAD will be the participation of its group companies, Atech, Visiona Tecnologia Espacial, and Tempest Security Intelligence, which together offer a comprehensive solutions portfolio in the defence and security sectors.
SAAB of Sweden, renowned for its state-of-the-art defence and security technologies is a prominent participant at LAAD. With a strong partnership with the Brazilian Armed Forces and a steadfast commitment to expanding its strategic activities in the region, SAAB is showcasing a wide range of advanced air, land, and naval solutions during the event.
A key highlight of SAAB’s participation at LAAD is the Gripen E multi-mission fighter, designated as F-39 Gripen by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The Gripen E, symbolising the largest technology transfer program from Sweden to Brazil, has already made a significant contribution to the development of the national defence industry, with the first four fighters already in operation in the country. SAAB will also showcase the Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) mobile anti-air defence system, renowned for its high mobility and ability to accompany mechanised and armoured troops on the move, making it a valuable asset in combat situations.
India’s participation in LAAD 2023 – the biggest defence expo in Latin America was announced in March during the visit of Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari to the South American nation Brazil. The focus was on various topics including deepening of military cooperation between the two countries, setting up of facilities for aircraft maintenance as well as development in the Space Sector. The “India Pavilion” will see participation of DRDO, DPSU’s and companies from private sector.
DRDO is displaying wide range of products in the form of posters, translit and scale down models by at India Pavilion during the event. For example: (1) LCA-Tejas (2) LCA-mid-air refuelling system (3) AEW&C (4) Rustom-I & II (5) Akash Missile (6) Astra Missile (7) MBRL-Pinaka (8) WhAP (9) LFDS-X (10) Advanced Torpedo Defence System-Maareech (11) Bullet Proof Jacket, Helmet and Boot for Antimine Infantry (12) Advanced Driver Night Sight (A-DNS) for BMS (13) Advanced Integrated Multi-Function Sight (AIMFS).
Indian company MKU, perhaps the only Indian private company present in the South and Central American Region is showcasing its grenade launchers, rocket launchers, and high-caliber weapons at LAAD 2023. MKU unveiled its MK-19 Grenade Launcher and created wall of fame. The MK-19 grenade launcher delivers better target accuracy and fire control for legacy weapons by integrating components such as the TW 4100 Thermal Weapon Sight, DW 1101 Red Dot Sight and the LW 2100 Laser Range Finder on a custom mount for the weapon with integrated ballistic range quadrants for accurate aiming and one shot one hit capability, for seamless operations and enhanced aiming, through day to night.
MKU has executed some big deals in global competition – Military Police, the Army and Federal police. In 2022 they had bagged a big deal to supply around 14,500 pieces of vest for Policia Militar do Estado de Sao Paulo. And for the Brazilian Army Night vision monocular. It has empowered over 10 forces in Brazil in the past three years and is now shedding light on its commitment to #EmpoweringBrazil.” MKU has established a strong foothold in Brazil in the past few years with focus on offering an unmatchable customer and solution-centric approach.
It is hoped that the event will result in robust cooperation between India and Brazil in the areas of defence and security continuing the legacy of India-Brazil defence relations and opening new arenas for future collaboration.
