SAO PAULO, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- The Brazilian air force has chosen Embraer Defense and Security to modernize five airborne early warning and control aircraft.
Upgrades to the EMB-145s will include enhanced electronic warfare systems, command-and-control systems, electronic countermeasures and air surveillance radar.
"This upgrade will allow the Brazilian air force to continue operating with excellence an important part of (the) national air defense system," said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, president of Embraer Defense and Security. "The E-99 plays a strategic role within the FAB in the control of airspace and the surveillance of our borders."
The contract is worth about $215 million.
"Over the last decade, the air force confirmed the high value of these early warning and control aircraft in the accomplishment of its mission," said Brig. Carlos de Almeida Baptista Jr., president of the Aircraft Program Coordinating Committee Battle for the Brazilian air force.
"Keeping them updated and expanding its operational capacity will ensure that they will continue to contribute significantly to the efficiency of the Brazilian air force."
