LAAD 2011: US and Brazil continue to discuss M113 FMS upgrade

The US and Brazilian governments are continuing discussions on a foreign military sales (FMS) case to upgrade a portion of the latter's fleet of M1113 APCs, according to BAE Systems, the original equipment manufacturer for the vehicle.

The discussions revolve around a request from Brazil for an option on the upgrade of 150 of the Brazilian Army's M113 A0 to the M113 A2 Mk1 configuration. 'The two governments are just exploring the relationship - it would be the first FMS since the 1970s,' John Kelly, vice president international development, land and armaments, told Shephard.

The A2 Mk1 upgrade significantly improves the mobility and the survivability of the M113. It has a 265hp Detroit Diesel 6V53T turbocharged diesel engine with an upgraded Alison TX100-1A cross-drive transmission. Survivability is improved through external fuel tanks, spall liners, and add-on armour.

Kelly said that the US believed it was very important to regenerate its relationship with Brazil and that the M113 project was part of that. 'We recognise Brazil as an important partner going forward,' he said. If the project was to go ahead some of the refurbishment work would be done in the Brazilian Army's depots.

BAE Systems believes it is in a strong position as OEM, but recognises that there are a lot of companies in the M113 upgrade market. 'There are over 60,000 M113s out there globally and we have a menu of capabilities and upgrades we can offer,' Kelly stated.

He added that the company is looking to partnerships in-country to perform work and not to filling its lines in the US. 'We are very much looking o have transferable capability going to each country and working with them. It's a model we want to replicate in other areas,' Kelly concluded.