Brazilian army will continue the upgrade program of its rocket launcher systems ASTROS.
Brazilian ASTROS II launchers during the 2009 Independence Day Parade in Brasília, Brazil (September 7th, 2009).
At the end of August 2011, Brazil’s Ministerio da Defesa announced the beginning of a BRL 1.09 billion (about $685 million) project to update Avibras’ ASTROS (Artillery SaTuration ROcket System) multiple rocket launcher system to the ASTROS 2020 configuration. It will also develop a GPS-guided short-range rocket, and an AV-TM300 missile option that gives the new system a 300 km strike range.
In 2012, the Brazilian Army decided to invest in the GPS-guided 180mm SS-AV-40 guided rocket, but it will have just 40 km of range. That’s enough to compete with standard artillery shells, but lacks the reach that many other MLRS competitors have developed.
The AV-TM300 would add a very long-range, precision strike option that has been missing. Avibras’ President has confirmed MdD’s description of AV-TM as a “missil de cruzeiro” (jet-powered cruise missile), rather than a ballistic missile like the American M-140 ATACMS. Avibras itself will reportedly develop the engine, and the guidance package will be a combination of GPS/INS and terrain matching.
As part of the support incentives, the Defense Ministry in August 2012 announced financing of $760 million from its Growth Acceleration Program. At least 30 Astros and associated vehicles are likely to be part of that acquisition.