Major General Tales Eduardo Areco Villela, Director of Manufacturing of the Brazilian Army, confirmed the systems are already in active use. “We have already successfully begun operating the upgraded versions of the M60 radar. The system upgrades were carried out effectively, enhancing operational performance,” he said.
General Villela also highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership. “Partnerships such as the one developed with Embraer have been fundamental in supporting the Brazilian Army in generating and maintaining new capabilities and in strengthening national sovereignty,” he added.
Douglas Lobo, Vice President of Customer Support and Aftermarket Services at Embraer Services & Support, described the upgrade as a critical measure for long-term readiness. “The radar upgrade is a fundamental step to maintain the Brazilian Army’s air defence capability over time,” he said.
Lobo explained the technical scope of the process. “The SABER M60 version 1.0 radars underwent a mid-life upgrade process to version 2.0 through the application of a Service Bulletin, incorporating the latest technological standard of the system, with gains in reliability, availability, and operational performance. This effort is essential to sustain operational capabilities and to standardise the equipment throughout the systems’ life cycle,” he stated.
Beyond hardware improvements, the SABER M60 received significant software enhancements, including more robust signal processing algorithms and improved resistance to interference. The operational interface was also redesigned to facilitate use by crews in complex operational environments.
Developed jointly by Embraer and the Brazilian Army, the SABER M60 is a low-altitude surveillance and fire-control radar featuring 3D technology with a range of up to 60 kilometres. The system is capable of simultaneously tracking up to 60 targets and can be integrated with missile- or gun-based air defence solutions, as well as with the Brazilian Aerospace Defence System (SISDABRA).
The radar incorporates Low Probability of Interception (LPI) technology, reducing the likelihood of detection by hostile systems and enhancing its effectiveness in tactical scenarios. Easy to transport and quick to deploy, the SABER M60 is one of the principal components of the Brazilian Army’s low-altitude air defence, contributing to the protection of sensitive areas and strategic infrastructure.
