As part of its program to incorporate new anti-tank capabilities, the Brazilian Army has authorized the signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the purchase of a batch of FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank missiles through the United States Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This operation includes simulators, tools, support equipment, manuals, spare parts, training, and other related services that are part of the Total Package Approach (TPA).
The acquisition of these missiles is part of the Army’s Strategic Program for Armored Forces, included in the Brazilian Army’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. According to Order C Ex No. 1,178, dated FEBRUARY 26, 2025, the signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance will be carried out by the Chief of the Brazilian Army Commission in Washington (CEBW), representing the Brazilian Army. The agreement includes an advance payment of $329,273, with disbursements scheduled according to the timeline established in the LOA.
It is worth noting that on August 9, 2022, the U.S. Department of State had authorized the potential sale of Javelin missiles to the Brazilian Army for an estimated amount of up to $74 million, notifying the U.S. Congress. In this context, the Brazilian government requested the purchase of up to 222 FGM-148 Javelin missiles and 33 launch units, along with training, simulators, and Integrated Logistics Support (ILS).
The FGM-148 Javelin is a portable anti-tank system consisting of a missile container tube, a reusable Command and Launch Unit (CLU), and a Battery Coolant Unit (BCU). The missile originally had a range of about 2,000 meters, but this has been extended to up to 4 kilometers, allowing it to be used against buildings and bunkers, as well as armored and light vehicles.
The Javelin offers two attack modes: direct attack, in which the missile follows a straight trajectory from the operator to the target, typically used against fortified enemy positions or rotary-wing aircraft. Meanwhile, the “Top Attack” mode is designed exclusively to engage armored targets, especially tanks.
The supply of these defense systems strengthens the capabilities of the Brazilian Army, representing a significant advancement in its modernization plan. Currently, the Brazilian Armed Forces have limited anti-tank capability, relying on MAX 1.2 AC missiles, formerly known as MSS-1.2 AC, produced by the Brazilian company SIATT, which are already in service with the 1st Mechanized Anti-Tank Company (1ª Cia AC Mec), a unit created specifically for their deployment. Recently, during the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025, the Brazilian Army, together with SIATT, announced the signing of a contract for the serial production of these missiles.
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