According to the Brazilian publication Revista Oeste, the Brazilian army has delayed the signing of a contract with Israeli defense concern Elbit Maarahot for the purchase of 36 ATMOS 2000 howitzers. This delay is due to the transfer of documentation to Defense Ministry lawyers in order to justify the selection of the Israeli company following a tender held by the Ministry of Defense.
It is worth noting that Elbit defeated competitors from the Czech Republic, France, and China, which has generated anger within the leftist political camp, including Brazilian President Lula da Silva. Despite his criticism of Israel, da Silva supports the deal because it will involve Elbit’s subsidiaries in Brazil, creating a significant number of new jobs.
As a result of the delay, the signing of the contract has been postponed. The tender process and selection of the Israeli company have sparked controversy within Brazil’s political landscape. However, the potential economic benefits and job creation associated with the deal have garnered support from some sectors despite the criticism from others. This situation reflects the complexities of navigating defense procurement decisions within a political context.