São José dos Campos, August 31, 2007 – Embraer received the first AMX jet from the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira – FAB) to have its systems and technology updated. The goal of the modernization project for the AMX jets, called A-1 by the FAB, is to keep the fleet of 53 on active duty for another 20 years. The AMX is one of the most
efficient combat planes in activity in the country and was manufactured by Embraer from 1989 to 2000.

The upgrading of the AMX will incorporate the most advanced avionics systems, weaponry and sensors, and most of the components used are made in Brazil. Thus, the aircraft will achieve the same operational level as the most advanced combat planes available on the market.

“We are highly honored to meet the needs of the FAB as it fulfills its constitutional mission of defending the Nation,” said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, Executive Vice-President, Defense and Government Market. “Once again, we have the opportunity to be the integrating force for new technologies, involving other companies from the defense industry in Brazil,” added Aguiar, who remembers that this modernization process is not only highly important for the FAB, but also for the aeronautics industry and for Embraer, itself.

“The AMX is the pro-Brazil differential in South America, due to its operational capacity obtained when complying with requirements established in the ‘70s and ‘80s. The technological updating of the airplane seeks to introduce new capacities, which will permit it to fulfill its mission over the next 20 years,” explained Mayor General Nôro, Deputy Director of Development and Programs (Subdiretor de Desenvolvimento e Programas – SDDP) and President of the Coordinating Committee for the Combat Aircraft Program (Comissão Coordenadora do Programa Aeronave de Combate – COPAC).

About the AMX
The AMX, called the A-1 by the FAB, is an air-to-surface attack jet which is also used on aerial reconnaissance missions. In 1977, the Italian Air Force held a public bid for developing

Source: Embraer