Article Posted on : - Mar 17, 2011

SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS, BRAZIL (BNS): Embraer Defense and Security signed a major contract worth $28.5 million for purchasing 64.7% of the capital of the radar division of OrbiSat da Amazônia S.A.

The deal is an important strategic step to increase the participation of Embraer Defense and Security in the Brazilian Defense System, according to a news release by the company.

"The synergy involved in this acquisition will bring important solutions for the development and manufacture of systems for monitoring and air defense, worldwide," Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President of Embraer Defense and Security, was quoted as saying in the release.

The contract, which is subject to government approval, implies the splitting of OrbiSat into two companies: one focusing on radar, which will be controlled by Embraer Defense and Security, and the other involved with electronic equipment, which will continue to be under the control of the former owners.

OrbiSat formed its radar division in 2002, to develop state-of-the-art technology to be applied to air, sea and land remote sensoring and aerial surveillance.

OrbiSat is currently negotiating contracts with the Brazilian Air Force and Navy for developing and producing integrated monitoring systems, which are similar to those already being operated by the Brazilian Army.

The company also developed the SABER M60 surveillance radar, which will be the basis of a border surveillance system known as Sistema de Vigilancia de Fronteiras.