Brazil assessing capabilities of Russian air defense system

BRASILIA, Brazil, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- A Brazilian military delegation has been sent to Russia to further assess the Pantsir-S1 medium-range air defense system for possible purchase.

Brazil and Russia initiated the procurement process for the system and it is now in the "contractual stage," the Defense Ministry said.

Demonstration of the Pantsir-S1 is being conducted in scenarios specifically requested by Brazil. A total of nine tests of the system will be conducted.

"We have to do the verification of operational requirements on a proving ground, where all procedures are controlled and can be analyzed accurately," said Lt Gen Gershon Machado, the ministry's head logistics officer said. "We will have access to data, including telemetry."

The Pantsir-S1, which is called the SA-22 Greyhound by NATO, is a combination surface-to-air missile system and an anti-aircraft artillery weapon.

Brazil is eyeing the purchase of three of the Russian systems, one for each of its military services.