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Brazil finally gets US nod for Javelin missile purchase

Javelin missiles for Brazil
Illustration: US Marine Corps file photo of a marine launching a Javelin shoulder-fired anti-tank missile

The US State Department revealed on August 9 it had approved a potential sale of Javelin missiles to Brazil following a lengthy delay reportedly caused by concerns over the upcoming election in the South American country.

According to a Reuters report, Democratic representatives held up the approval due to concerns about Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro and his far-right politics.

Brazil first initiated the purchase of the anti-tank guided munition while Donald Trump was the president of the United States. The State Department issued a preliminary approval for the sale in 2021 but an informal review stalled the official clearance, according to Reuters.

In an announcement on August 9, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Brazil was cleared to buy 222 of the missiles for an estimated cost of up to $74 million.

In addition to the FGM-148 Javelin missiles, the price tag would include 33 Javelin launchers, as well as training equipment, missile simulation rounds, technical assistance and other related support.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of an important regional partner that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in South America,” the DSCA announcement said.

“The proposed sale will improve the Brazilian Army’s capability to meet future threats by increasing their antiarmor capacity. Brazil will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces.”

Should the sale of the missiles be definitely agreed, the prime contractors would be Raytheon and Lockheed Martin who are producing the missile under the Javelin Joint Venture.