Image: BAE Systems
BAE Systems Hägglunds has partnered with Knightec Group Brazil to develop military vehicle components in Resende, Rio de Janeiro, transferring technology and creating local engineering jobs.
The Programme
Knightec Group Brazil — formerly Semcon Brazil, which merged with Knightec in 2024 — will bring advanced engineering expertise into the BAE Systems Hägglunds supply chain, drawing on deep experience in the automotive sector.
The pilot programme focuses on developing new conceptual designs for gear housings used on the BvS10 Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicle, targeting production cost optimisation and improved design performance. BAE Systems says the initiative could help scale production further, building on recent contract wins across multiple countries.
Lars Pettersson, engineering director at BAE Systems Hägglunds, said: “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 Partners
BAE Systems Hägglunds has an established working relationship with Knightec in Europe. The new Brazil programme extends that partnership into South America.
Fabricio Campos, country manager at Knightec Group Brazil, described the collaboration as strategically significant. “This is about building local industrial capability, strengthening engineering competence, and supporting the development of a sustainable defence ecosystem in the country,” he said.
Brazil’s Long Defence Relationship with BAE Systems
BAE Systems’ heritage companies have supplied the Brazilian Armed Forces for more than a century — building ships for the Brazilian Navy as far back as 1908. Since then, the company has provided equipment to every branch of Brazil’s military, including the M113 and M109 for the Army, the Hawker Siddeley C-91 for the Air Force, Assault Amphibious Vehicles for the Marines, and the NAM Atlântico and Amazonas class warships for the Navy.
Marco Caffe, director general of BAE Systems Brazil, said the company has ambitions to do more. “Should we be chosen to supply the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle to our military, we would build them in Brazil for Brazil,” he said. “The permissions for export controls are already in place and we stand ready to deliver.”
BvS10 in Service
The BvS10 family of vehicles is currently operated by Austria, France, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom, with an order in place from the United States. More than 1,200 are in service, with over 650 further vehicles on order.
Source: BAE Systems














