Brazil issues request for proposals for self-propelled artillery system (15. August 2023)
The Brazilian Army released its long-awaited request for proposal (RFP) and request for tender (RFT) for a 155 mm self-propelled wheeled artillery system on 2 August, a major milestone for the service's effort to replace part of its M114A1 howitzers.
The Brazilian Army Commission in Washington (CEBW) issued the document on behalf of the Logistics Command that intends to meet self-propelled, wheeled 155 mm howitzer armoured combat vehicle (VBC OAP 155 mm SR) project requirements, part of the Army Strategic Program Armoured Forces (Prg EE F Bld).
The project aims to acquire two initial vehicles for evaluation at the Army Evaluations Center, and later another 34 systems in different tranches to arm three field artillery groups. No details on the acquisition schedule were provided in the initial documents.
The latest edition of the operational, technical, logistical, and industrial requirements for the VBC OAP 155 mm SR project was published in July.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL / REQUEST FOR TENDER (RFP/RFT) nº 01/2023 for Obtaining the 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer Armored Combat Vehicle On Wheels (VBC OAP 155mm SR)
Brazil shortlists four competitors for its artillery effort
Brazilian logistics command – responsible for the multiphase project together with the army artillery command – has shortlisted Nexter CAESAR 6×6, Elbit Systems ATMOS 6×6, Norinco SH15 6×6, and Excalibur International/Konštrukta-Defence Zuzana 2 proposals, according to an announcement on 4 March.
Negotiation rounds with the four competitors will take place separately in March and April 2024. A winner is scheduled to be announced by 3 May after a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) is submitted by each of the bidders between 15 and 19 April. The army is expected to award a contract to perform trials on the initial two weapon systems on 7 May, according to logistics command.
Exército conclui licitação de Obuseiro Autopropulsado
Em 29 de abril de 2024, o Exército Brasileiro (EB), por meio da Chefia de Material do Comando Logístico (C Mat/COLOG), divulgou o resultado da análise das ofertas finais das empresas da shortlist participantes do processo de aquisição da Viatura Blindada de Combate Obuseiro Autopropulsado 155 mm Sobre Rodas (VBCOAP 155 mm SR), componente do Programa Estratégico do Exército Forças Blindadas.
Classificou-se em 1º Lugar, vencendo o processo licitatório internacional iniciado em 17 de agosto de 2023, a VBC OAP 155 mm SR “Atmos 155 mm 52 Calibres, montado em um chassi Tatra T-815 6x6”, da empresa "Elbit Systems Land Ltd". O Atmos 6x6 atendeu a todos os requisitos absolutos estabelecidos pelo EB.
Agora, a empresa israelense será chamada para assinar o contrato inicial e entregar, em até 12 (doze) meses, as 2 (duas) viaturas que compõem o Lote de Amostra. Essas viaturas passarão por avaliações técnica e operacional no Brasil. Após a aprovação nos testes, o COLOG assinará o contrato principal para o fornecimento de mais 34 (trinta e quatro) sistemas, que serão entregues em lotes anuais até o ano de 2034.
Brazil’s deal for Israeli howitzers ‘frozen’ over Gaza war
According to military sources in Brasilia, who spoke to Defense News on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, the project remains “frozen” but not formally canceled.
“President da Silva has signed no executive order, neither to cancel the procurement of ATMOS 2000 nor for reopening the tender to select and negotiate another solution”, one source said.
The sources said that both the Minister of Defense, Mr. José Múcio Monteiro, as well as the Army chief, Gen. Tomás Miguel Ribeiro Paiva, are working to unlock the project. They hope to persuade the left-wing president to proceed with the deal, which would provide two howitzer samples for testing.
Military officials believe picking another vendor would increase the delay and have a negative impact on several local companies, which have signed agreements with Elbit to participate in the production of parts and the final assembly of the weapons.
Officials at Brazil’s Ministry of Defense and the Army did not return a request for comment.
