In May 2023, the Brazilian Army (Exército Brasileiro) announced that it would acquire thirty-six 155mm ATMOS 2000 self-propelled howitzers from the Israeli group Elbit Systems as part of its VBCOAP [Viatura Blindada de Combate Obus Autopropulsada] program. This followed a tender in which KNDS France ([CAESAr), Slovak Konštrukta Defence, Czech Excalibur [Zuzana 2 8×8], and Chinese group NORINCO (SH15 6×6) also participated.
Elbit Systems had a contractual obligation to deliver two ATMOS 2000 units to Exército Brasileiro for technical and operational evaluations over the next twelve months. Elbit Systems would then issued a “main contract” for the delivery of 34 additional units. The total value of this deal was estimated at about US$198.7 (1 billion reais).
However, the ATMOS 2000 choice was not necessarily straightforward, given the strained diplomatic relations between Brazil and Israel. Even so, the Exército Brasileiro assured that these relations would not affect contract execution.
Shortly after this announcement, the Brazilian Ministry of Defense decided to suspend the procurement process and delay the signing of the contract, explaining that it needed to undergo legal review due to changes made during the final phase of the tender. This review was supposed to take at most sixty days.
Yet, four months later, the contract remains unsigned. According to explanations provided by the specialized site Defensa, Brazilian President Lula da Silva reportedly opposes the purchase of these ATMOS 2000 units, following the recommendations of Celso Amorim, a former foreign minister who is now his diplomatic advisor. Instead, Amorim suggests awarding the contract to Excalibur/Kontrukta Defence.
Nevertheless, for Brazilian Defense Minister José Múcio, there is “no technical reason” to reverse the Exército Brasileiro’s decision. Moreover, abandoning this decision in favor of another option would create a “dangerous precedent” as it would undermine the selection and procurement processes.
Furthermore, Elbit Systems expects AEL and ARES, two Brazilian subsidiaries, to involve the local industry in this contract. The ATMOS 2000’s production could create between 200 and 400 direct jobs.
In the meantime, Defensa notes that the delays in this matter are “partially holding back the modernization process” of the Brazilian ground forces, which began in 2017.
