UK defence company BAE Systems has signed a five-year contract to support its Artisan radar on the Brazilian Navy’s flagship, the multipurpose aircraft carrier NAM Atlântico.
The new contract will provide through-life support for both the BAE Systems Artisan radar and associated DNA2 combat management system (CMS) fitted to the NAM Atlântico.
The Artisan radar aspect of the contract will deliver corrective and preventative maintenance including the provision of spare parts, which will be manufactured by BAE Systems in the UK and held in Brazil.
It will also give a help-desk facility, which will be operated remotely from the UK to assist the team in Brazil, according to the company.
“The signing of this contract represents a relevant step towards ensuring full availability of the combat system and ARTISAN radar on board NAM ATLÂNTICO,” Admiral José Augusto Vieira da Cunha , Marinha do Brasil said.
“It is an important commitment assumed by BAE Systems with the Brazilian Navy not only in the maintenance of the operational capability of our flagship, but also in the transfer of knowledge to our personnel.”
“Our teams of engineers are looking forward to working with and providing support for the ARTISAN Radar and DNA2 Combat Management System to enable NAM Atlântico to continue its vital role as flagship,” Laurie Ellis , Head of Radar, Maritime sector at BAE Systems added.
BAE’s Artisan surveillance radar will provide NAM Atlântico surface and air surveillance and air traffic management of both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft.
The radar is also currently in service on board Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and Type 23 frigates and selected for new Type 26 frigates.
Brazil became an operator of the radar with the purchase of LPH HMS Ocean from the UK in 2018.
The DNA2 element of the contract will also deliver a planned modernisation package of the ship’s CMS in order to address obsolescence.
Brazilian Navy has recently also contracted UK firm Babcock International to provide for NAM Atlântico.