Brazil upgrading artillery, armored personnel carriers

WASHINGTON, June 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. military plans to sell Brazil upgrade kits and associated equipment and services for self-propelled howitzers and armored personnel carriers.

The two separate Foreign Military Sales deals, have a combined value of $241 million, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

In the first package worth $110 million, Brazil is seeking 40 M109A5 kits to upgrade M109A5 self-propelled howitzers to the M109A5+ configuration. Included in Brazil's shopping list are spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment.

"Brazil will use this equipment to modernize its artillery capability and enhance the Brazilian Armed Forces' readiness," the agency said in its required notification to Congress. "The reconfigured howitzers will provide the Brazilian Army with a much needed upgrade to this capability while further enhancing interoperability with U.S. and other military forces."

BAE Systems would be the principal contractor.

The agency said two U.S. government or contractor representatives would be required in Brazil for one year to provide assistance during the upgrade of the vehicles.

The second proposed sale is for 434 M113A2MK1 kits to upgrade M113 Armored Personnel Carriers to the M113A2MK1 configuration. The deal would also include spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment.

Two U.S. government or contractor representatives would be required in Brazil for up to seven years; BAE would also be the principal contractor.