The US State Department approved the sale of Javelin missiles to Brazil, a request that had been stalled for months in Washington due to concerns of US lawmakers with the stance of President Jair Bolsonaro (PL). The Pentagon notified the US Congress on Tuesday (9) that the sale was authorized, a necessary step for the conclusion of the deal.
The impasse in the sale had been revealed by the Reuters news agency on Monday (8).
The government of Brazil is trying to purchase 222 FGM-148-type Javelin missiles and 33 missile launchers, as well as training, simulation systems, technical assistance and other weapons-related equipment and services. The contract is estimated at US$74 million.
“This proposed sale will support the United States’ foreign policy and national security objectives to enhance the security of an important regional partner, which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in South America,” the statement reads. released by the Security Cooperation Agency of the US Department of Defense.
“The sale proposal will improve the Brazilian Army’s ability to face future threats, increasing its anti-armor capacity. Brazil will have no difficulty in absorbing these weapons into its armed forces. The proposed sale of these equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance of region”, says the agency, which also emphasizes that there will be no impact on the US defense system.
