BRAZIL BUYS .50 CAL MACHINE GUNS FROM U.S.
BRASILIA -- The Brazilian Army has acquired 120 new M2A1 .50 caliber heavy machine guns (HMGs) through a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement with the U.S. Brazil signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance with the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) covering the sale of the weapons.
Based on initial plans, Brazil will receive 60 weapons in 2019 and 60 more in 2020. Tripods, spare parts, and barrels are also included in the deal along with training for Brazilian personnel.
The M2A1 was introduced in 2011 and is based on the original Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun. Upgraded over the years, the rifle was originally introduced in 1933. M2A1 incorporates improvements to the design including a quick change barrel (QCB) with removable carrying handle, a new slotted flash suppressor that reduces muzzle flash by 95 percent, fixed headspace and timing, a modified bolt, and a manual trigger block safety.
In terms of infantry weaponry, Brazil is currently primarily focusing on replacing its standard issue assault rifle. The Brazilian Army is gradually replacing its FN FAL 7.62mm assault rifles with an indigenously developed IA2 rifle. The new rifle, produced by the Brazilian Armaments Industry (IMBEL) in Itajubá (MG), offers a lower weight, better ergonomics, and a greater ammunition capacity than the previous model. Brazil has invested $50 million into the production of the rifle.
However, continuing to maintain its stock of machine guns is also important. The new M2A1s will support Brazilian ground troops as they protect borders and combat increasingly violent organized criminal groups.
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