Avibras advances in missile certification days after announcement of purchase by the Batista brothers

Avibras, a Brazilian weapons industry based in Jacareí (SP), this week made progress in certifying a missile capable of hitting targets up to 300 kilometers away. The launch test of the Cruzeiro Tactical Missile (MTC) was carried out by the Brazilian Army and the company in Restinga da Marambaia, in Rio de Janeiro.

The test takes place at an important moment for the manufacturer, a few days after the announcement that businessmen Joesley and Wesley Batista, brothers who also own the J&F group, intend to take control of Avibras. The company is one of the main Brazilian manufacturers of equipment and systems for the defense area.

According to Avibras, the test achieved the objectives set for this stage and represents another advance in the missile certification process.

The Cruise Tactical Missile is part of the Astros artillery system, developed by Avibras and used by the Brazilian Army.

The MTC is part of the system's intelligent munitions line and was developed to hit targets at long distances. According to the company, the missile has a range of up to 300 kilometers.

The Astros system brings together vehicles, launchers and different types of ammunition and is considered one of the main defense projects developed by the Brazilian industry.

The test included the participation of teams from Avibras and the Army, who worked on executing the launch and analyzing the results.

Members of the Army Project Office (EPEx), the Manufacturing Directorate (DF), the Military Institute of Engineering (IME) and the Army Technological Center (CTEx) also participated in the activity.

The advance in the development of the missile occurs while Avibras tries to overcome a serious financial crisis.

The company, which plays a strategic role in the Brazilian defense industry, is in judicial recovery and has been facing financial difficulties for years. The crisis affected production and workers at the factory in Jacareí.

Amid financial problems, Avibras employees went on strike for three years due to lack of payment of salaries and benefits. The strike was one of the most critical moments of the crisis faced by the company.

The situation led Avibras to look for a new controller to try to guarantee the continuity of operations and projects developed by the manufacturer.

The announcement of the possible acquisition was made this month. Joesley and Wesley Batista intend to take control of Avibras, through the company Globe Investimentos.

The negotiation still needs to be analyzed by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade).

After the announcement, the businesspeople stated that they see the acquisition as an opportunity to invest in the company's recovery and in a sector considered strategic for the country.

The possible change of control takes place while Avibras maintains projects focused on the defense area, such as the Cruzeiro Tactical Missile itself and the Astros system.