The Committee on External Relations and National Defense (CRE), in open court on Thursday (13), heard the Air Force commander, Lieutenant General Air Nivaldo Luiz Rossato on the priorities of the Brazilian Air Force: the purchase of 36 Gripen NG, Sweden;
the development of military transport jet KC-390; and the construction of a geostationary satellite defense and communication.
For Senator Ricardo Ferraço (PMDB-ES), evaluation of the rapporteur that the Commission is making public policy in the defense industry area, even if the citizen does not realize the practical effects of these investments, initiatives affecting the lives of everyone.
Aeronautical search adaptation to cut spending
the Air Force commander, Lieutenant Brigadier Air Nivaldo Luiz Rossato, admitted yesterday in debate in the Senate, the Air Force, the Defense Ministry and private companies associated with the sector projects work with possible scenarios of delays in implementing programs .
But ensured that the priorities of the folder are being refocused under no logic extinguish any action and minimize the impact on jobs.
Rossato was heard by the Committee on Foreign Relations and National Defense (CRE) on the consequences of cutting government spending in the area. The country's defense strategy has been reviewed by CRE throughout the year.
The report on this public policy is the responsibility of Senator Ricardo Ferraço
(PMDB-ES). One of the points dealt with yesterday was the crisis in Petrobras. The state reduced the investment plan for the coming years, which directly impacts the helicopter industry.
Associated with private companies, the Air Force coordinates the supply of support models to oil extraction in the pre-salt layer.
In another aspect, Rossato acknowledged that the country is "some 40 years" lagging behind the space defense.
- In cybernetics and nuclear areas, we do well. But the space we need more objectivity on the part of all stakeholders - said.
He said the country only works with leased satellites, but noted that a new space operations center will start next year in Brasilia.
The military explained that, for economic reasons, Air Force priority is stimulating the production of low orbiting satellites, since they are the most suitable for agribusiness needs, among others.
Senator Ferraço drew attention to the delay in KC 390 program, military jets developed by Embraer.
- The company loses market because of the chaos in the public accounts, causing unemployment and loss of foreign exchange - warned.
Rio 2016
Senator Jorge Viana (PT-AC) did see in the 21st century aerial combat as the major difference in the geopolitics of the war situation to Rossato is clear since the Gulf War.
The conflict between 1990 and 1991 involved a coalition of countries led by the United States to liberate Kuwait, which was invaded and annexed by Iraq.
In this sense, the military said the purchase of 36 Swedish Gripen, in a project that is generating 2,300 direct jobs and 14,650 indirect.
He said that the payment terms that Brazil had in negotiating with Sweden and praised the quality of the planes were advantageous, in addition to technology transfer program involved the acquisition.
Asked about the ease with which organized crime introduces drugs and weapons in the country, Rossato said it is difficult and expensive to control more than 16,000 kilometers of borders, most with vegetation.
In response to Senator Ana Amélia (PP-RS), the commander said he was relaxed about the security strategies that have been developed for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
For him, the work done during the World Cup in 2014 was "a great school", with results assessed as excellent in all aspects.
