BRASILIA, Brazil - The Brazilian Army has chosen Elbit Systems’ ATMOS as the winner of its self-propelled howitzer competition, according to media reports.

The Army has been studying a potential acquisition for several years, and in August launched a formal competition, looking to purchase up to 36 howitzers at an expected cost of BRL1 billion ($195.7 million) to revitalize its artillery inventory. Besides the ATMOS, Brazil considered China’s SH-15, France’s CAESAR, and the Czech Zuzana-2 to fill the requirement.

Brazil will now move forward with a contract with Elbit for the howitzers, as well as a simulator to help train soldiers. The expected delivery date for the systems has not been revealed. The Jerusalem Post noted in a report that the choice of the Israeli-made ATMOS came despite Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s criticism of Israel’s military operation in Gaza, which the Brazilian leader has condemned as a genocide.

Israel has exported the ATMOS to a number of international customers, including Azerbaijan, Denmark, and the Philippines.

Source: The Jerusalem Post
Associated URL: https://www.jpost.com/international/article-799375

HELSINKI - Germany has joined the Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) program in its research and development phase. This multinational agreement now involves Finland, Latvia, Sweden and Germany.

Germany is the fourth country to join the research and development phase of this multinational program, which was initiated by Finland and Latvia in 2020, and later joined by Sweden in 2022. By joing the effort, Germany will have access to the results of the product development packages developed in the programm and will be in a position to co-define the requirements for future mission variants.

The CAVS program focuses on developing a common 6x6 armored vehicle system, led by defense contractor Patria. To ensure a reliable supply chain, member nations leverage their own industrial capabilities for parts and production. This collaborative approach strengthens the program's overall security of supply with each new member. Currently, Latvia, Finland, and Sweden are receiving deliveries of the Patria 6x6, and these vehicles are already in active use. The program remains open to other European countries seeking similar armored vehicles.

Source: https://www.patriagroup.com/newsroom/news/2024/germany-joins-cavs-vehicle-programmes-research-and-development-agreement

KYIV - The Ukrainian military has released an estimate of Russia's missile stockpile. Moscow reportedly has hundreds of missiles in depots available for use against Ukraine. In addition, Russia is able to produce tens more each month.

Specifically, the Russian military has 400 Onyx, 270 Kalibr and 45 Kh-69 cruise missiles. Moscow also has about 40 Zircon missiles. Western experts believe Russia is unlikely to run out of missiles.

Russia is manufacturing the new Kh-69, but is unlikely to be able to accelerate production or increase annual quantities.

Source: NEWSWEEK
Associated URL: https://www.newsweek.com/russia-missile-count-ukraine-zircon-onyx-kh69-kalibr-1896402