As part of the strategic deployment of units in the Roraima region, near the northern border of Brazil with Venezuela and Guyana, the Brazilian Army (EB) carried out the transfer of anti-tank missiles MSS 1.2 AC with the aim of enhancing the capabilities of the 18th Mechanized Cavalry Regiment.
This system is part of the so-called “Operation Roraima”, planned and conducted by the 9th Logistics Group, under the coordination of the Logistics Command (COLOG) and the Western Military Command (CMO) responsible for the logistical deployment. In total, the transfer of units assigned to this operation was carried out in three groups, departing from Campo Grande (Mato Grosso do Sul) to Roraima. Among the deployed units are 4×4 armored vehicles Guaicurus, 6×6 reconnaissance armored vehicles EE-09 Cascavel, and 6×6 personnel transport armored vehicles Iveco Guaraní.
The MSS 1.2 AC missiles are one of the most modern systems of the EB, evaluated by the Army Evaluation Center (CAEx) in August 2023. On that occasion, a test launch was carried out, demonstrating the technological progress made by the Army’s Science, Technology, and Innovation System (SCTIEx) in conjunction with the Defense and Security Industrial Base (BIDS), aiming to provide the EB with an anti-tank missile with 100% local technology.
About the MSS 1.2 AC
The MSS 1.2 AC is a medium-range surface-to-surface anti-tank missile developed according to the requirements of the EB. The system consists of the munition (missile in its launching container) and the firing unit. It uses the beam-rider guidance system, where the operator is responsible for optically aiming the missile at the target. During the missile’s trajectory from launch to the target, the firing unit emits an invisible, encoded laser beam, harmonized with the optical sight, providing the guidance reference for the missile.
The system is capable of penetrating armor up to 500 millimeters thick of NATO standard steel. The MSS 1.2 AC missile has a range of up to 4,000 meters and is primarily used against armored vehicles. Given its characteristics, this missile can also be used against vehicle columns, fortified buildings, fuel and/or ammunition depots, river vessels, and low-flying helicopters.
*Image Credits: Brazilian Army
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