Brazil opens bidding for armed drones as military eyes market-ready UCAVs
Bayraktar Akinci Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), developed indigenously and indigenously by Baykar (Baykar / Handout / AA)
Brazil’s armed drone bid opens with new public notice as the army seeks to acquire up to three combat-ready UAVs with long-range capabilities and offensive payloads.
The international call, posted by the Army General Staff (EME), invites responses from both domestic and foreign suppliers.
Army seeks UCAVs with specific operational capabilities
On March 19, the EME released Public Notice 01/2025 and its annexes, officially initiating the process of gathering market data and price offers for three “Category 3 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems” (SARP Catg 3).
The Brazilian Army aims to procure unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) that meet specific operational thresholds.
According to the technical specifications listed, the drones must:
- Weigh up to 700 kilograms at maximum takeoff
- Fly at altitudes up to 18,000 feet
- Reach a minimum operational range of 300 kilometers
- Endure temperatures between minus 10 degrees Celsius and 50 degrees Celsius
- Operate in target zones for up to 48 hours
The drones must also support offensive payloads, with the ability to carry:
- Four 70 mm laser-guided rockets or two missiles (type not specified)
- Non-guided bombs or grenades
- Camera and laser designator systems
- Electromagnetic interference systems with a minimum range of 10 kilometers
Additionally, the UAVs should be able to take off without external launch aids, navigate in GPS-denied environments, and optionally support satellite-based control links.
Eligibility criteria and ITAR-free requirement
A key condition outlined in the public notice is that all drone systems must already be commercially available and not under development. Furthermore, the systems must not be restricted under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), reflecting the army’s concerns over geopolitical volatility and potential limitations on U.S.-controlled technologies.
The procurement is part of the Strategic Program of Army Aviation (Prg EE Av Ex). All documentation can be accessed through the Army Projects Office (EPEx) website.
The deadline for submissions is April 1, with the consultation period extending until Aug. 4.
Turkish drone makers Baykar and TAI among possible contenders
Given the criteria outlined in the bid, industry observers suggest that Baykar and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) could be strong contenders.
Both companies have exported combat-proven drones like Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci, as well as TAI’s Aksungur and Anka, that meet and exceed Brazil’s operational demands and are not subject to ITAR restrictions.
Back in May 16, 2024 Baykar also hosted a Brazilian delegation at their Ozdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center, which is in Istanbul.
“A delegation from the Brazilian Land Forces visited the Ozdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center. It was our pleasure to host them,” Selcuk Bayraktar, Board Chairman of Baykar / CTO said in a social media post X.
