On September 20, 2017, the Brazilian Army 6th Group of Missiles and Rockets (6th GMF in Portuguese) received a visit from a Colombian military delegation. The delegation was visiting as part of a conference between the two militaires to increase cooperation. The delegation consisted of Rear Admiral José Joaquim Amézquita García - Director of Strategic Programs of the National Navy of Colombia along with various military attaches to Brazil. (Source Forecast).
ASTROS-2020 of Brazilian army during live firing test (Source picture Wikipedia)
During the visit, the Colombian delegation viewed a demonstration of Brazil's ASTROS 2020 rocket artillery system. The demonstration was put on by the Brazilian Army along with the system's prime contractor, Avibras. While no details were discussed, the both the Colombian Army and Colombian Navy are interested in acquiring new rocket artillery systems and the ASTROS 2020 is a leading contender to fulfill both requirements. The demonstration could be further proof that a purchase is near.
At the end of August 2011, Brazilian Ministry of Defense announced the beginning of a BRL 1.09 billion (about $685 million) project to update Avibras’ ASTROS (Artillery SaTuration ROcket System) multiple rocket launcher system to the ASTROS 2020 configuration.
In June 2012, the Brazilian MoD (Ministry of Defense) awarded Avibras a procurement contract worth $525 million for three ASTROS 2020 batteries (totaling 54 launchers). Three were delivered in 2014, with another 38 delivered in 2015. Avibras delivered another batch of six ASTROS vehicles to the Brazilian Army in November 2016.
The current ASTROS-II Mk.3 variant is based on the 6x6 Mercedes Benz 2028A truck. The latest version of the ASTROS system will use the Czech Tatra Trucks T815-790R39 6×6 and T815-7A0R59 4×4 chassis.
The Astros-2020 can fire different types of rockets ith a pod carrying up to 32 x 127mm SS-30s, 16 x 180mm SS-40s with a range of 40km, or 4 x 300mm SS-60/80s with 90km range. It can also fire AV-TM300 cruise missiles with a maximum range of 300 km using a pod with two missiles;
The ASTROS-2020 includes many new features as an improved armored cabin, modern digital communications and navigation systems, and a new tracking radar that replaces the AV-UCF’s Contraves Fieldguard system.
The biggest improvement involves tactical capability. In 2012, the Brazilian Army decided to invest in the GPS-guided 180mm SS-AV-40G guided rocket, but it will have just 40 km of range.
