The partnership will see Knightec Group Brazil provide advanced engineering expertise to BAE Systems’ supply chain, drawing on its experience in the automotive sector. An initial pilot programme is developing conceptual designs for gear housings for the BvS10 amphibious all-terrain vehicle, aiming to optimise production costs and improve performance.
The initiative is expected to support BAE Systems’ ability to scale production following recent contract successes in multiple countries. It also lays the groundwork for expanding cooperation and enabling more complex design work over time.
“We are excited to work with Knightec Group in Brazil,” said Lars Pettersson, engineering director at BAE Systems Hägglunds. “By establishing shared ways of working and aligned processes early on, we aim to create a solid foundation that will not only support future growth but also enable the ongoing development of more complex designs as our programme evolves.”
The collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship between BAE Systems Hägglunds and Knightec, which merged with Semcon in 2024 to form Knightec Group. The current effort extends this partnership from Europe into Brazil, with a focus on long-term industrial cooperation.
“We are proud to begin this programme with BAE Systems in Brazil,” said Fabricio Campos, country manager, Knightec Group Brazil. “This collaboration represents more than a single opportunity — it is about building local industrial capability, strengthening engineering competence, and supporting the development of a sustainable defence ecosystem in the country. Together, we are laying the groundwork for long-term growth and future programmes in Brazil.”
BAE Systems highlighted its longstanding relationship with Brazil, which dates back more than a century and spans all branches of the country’s armed forces. The company has delivered a range of military equipment and continues to expand its presence through industrial partnerships.
“BAE Systems has been working with Brazil for more than 100 years, delivering protection, partnership and prosperity,” said Marco Caffe, director general of BAE Systems of Brazil. “Over the years we have provided military capability to all branches of the Brazilian Armed Forces together with training for both military and civilian support teams. We have an ambition to do more in Brazil in the future, together with our industrial partners here. For example, should we be chosen to supply the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle to our military, we would build them in Brazil for Brazil. The permissions for export controls are already in place for us to do so and we stand ready to deliver for our nation.”
The BvS10 vehicle family is currently in service with several countries, including Austria, France, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom, with additional orders placed by the United States. More than 1,200 vehicles are in operation, with over 650 additional units on order, supporting continued demand for the platform.
