The Brazilian Army is set to award Avibras Indústria Aeroespacial a contract to upgrade the service's Artillery SaTuration ROcket System (ASTROS) II Mk3 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRSs).

The deal with the system's original equipment manufacturer is being finalised and a contract will soon be announced, a Brazilian Army spokesperson told IHS Jane's . The ASTROS II Mk 3s are operated by the 6th Multiple Rocket Launcher Group (Grupo de Lançadores Múltiplos de Foguetes or 6º GLMF) based in Formosa, State of Goiás - the unit is set to be renamed as the 6th Missiles and Rockets Group.

The upgrade programme is being established as part of the service's ASTROS 2020 MLRS strategic project, which also includes the incorporation between 2014-18 of three batteries of the ASTROS Mk 6 system to arm a new Missiles and Rockets Group that is to be based in Formosa.

The modernised system will be designated ASTROS II Mk 3M and will incorporate several of the ASTROS Mk 6 system's features, including a new improved armoured cabin, digital communication and navigation systems, a new tracking radar that replaces the Contraves Fieldguard system, plus the ability to fire the AV-TM 300 tactical cruise missile and AV-SS-40G guided rocket systems being developed by Avibras, and the in-service AV-SS-30, AV-SS-40 and AV-SS-60 unguided rockets. The original 6x6 Mercedes Benz 2028A chassis utilised by the ASTROS II Mk 3 will be maintained.

Along with improving the weapon system, the modernisation is intended to maximise operational and logistics commonality with the ASTROS Mk 6, however, the latter is based on Tatra Trucks' T815-790R39 6x6 and T815-7A0R59 4x4 high-mobility heavy duty vehicles.

Each battery is composed of universal multiple launcher (AV-LMU), re-supply (AV-RMD), fire control (AV-UCF) and workshop vehicles (AV-OFVE). The weather station vehicle (AV-MET) is based on a 4x4 unarmored light utility truck, while the battery-level command and control system (AV-PCC) is based on an armoured 4x4 vehicle.

One battalion-level command and control vehicle (AV-VCC) was acquired to coordinate the full MLRS group. The AV-PCC and AV-VCC vehicles are based on Tatra Truck's T815-7A0R59 chassis and were procured in late 2010 to enhance ASTROS II Mk 3 capability. With the exception of the AV-METs, all 6x6 and 4x4 vehicles are equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun and smoke dischargers.

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