A-Darter missile issued type certificate
A type certificate for the South African/Brazilian A-Darter infrared short-range air-to-air missile has been granted, marking the completion of development of the system.
The certification acknowledges that A-Darter meets the technical, operational, logistical, industrial and safety requirements of both the Brazilian and South African air forces, who will respectively use it to arm a range of combat aircraft types.
‘This partnership with South Africa [for] project A-Darter has achieved all of its goals,’ Lt Brig Luiz Fernando de Aguiar, director general of Brazil’s department of aerospace science and technology, said.
‘The missile will be an important item incorporated into the Brazilian Gripen, and will allow Brazil to absorb technology from this device.’
Brazil and South Africa signed an agreement to jointly develop the missile in 2006, which has been carried out by the former’s SIATT, Avibras and Opto Eletrônica, and the latter’s Denel.
The missile can autonomously identify a lock on after launch target, as well as engage electronic countermeasures.
It will equip the South African air force’s Saab Gripen C/D fighters and BAE Hawk trainers, as well as the Brazilian air force’s AMX A-1M ground-attack aircraft, Northrop F-5 fighters, and its new Gripen E fleet.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan]()
Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan
Ireland’s multi-annual investment in capital defence spending is set to rise from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030 with major upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
-
![Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners]()
Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners
While non-EU UK struggles to join the Security Action for Europe initiative, which provides loans for defence programmes, Canada has become the first country outside Europe to get access – and did so for a nominal fee.
-
![NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems]()
NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems
During the latest edition of the NATO DiBaX, the alliance tested multiple capabilities to inform requirements for future efforts.
-
![Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome]()
Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome
The new multi-layered defence system will harness AI to neutralise airborne threats and protect Europe from Russian aggression.
