BAE Systems and Knightec Brazil team up to advance military vehicle engineering
BAE Systems Hägglunds has launched a new partnership with Knightec Group Brazil to boost local engineering skills and military vehicle production. The collaboration, based in Resende, Rio de Janeiro, will focus on developing components for the BvS10 all-terrain vehicle. Both companies aim to strengthen Brazil's industrial capabilities while supporting future production growth.
The pilot programme marks the start of a technology transfer initiative. Its goal is to expand engineering expertise and prepare for larger-scale manufacturing after recent BvS10 contract wins across several nations.
The first phase will centre on designing gear housings for the BvS10. Engineers will prioritise cutting production costs and enhancing performance. Knightec Group Brazil, known for its automotive sector experience, will bring specialised knowledge to BAE Systems' supply chain.
Lars Pettersson, engineering director at BAE Systems Hägglunds, welcomed the partnership. Fabricio Campos, country manager at Knightec Group Brazil, stressed the importance of building local engineering competence. Over time, the programme plans to introduce more advanced design processes and increase production capacity.
The BvS10, already in service with Sweden, the UK, the Netherlands, the US, Japan, Estonia, and Latvia, operates in extreme environments. It is currently deployed in Arctic, desert, and amphibious missions, including NATO operations in Eastern Europe and UK-led exercises in Norway.
The collaboration will initially develop conceptual designs for BvS10 components. If successful, it could lead to broader production scaling and more complex engineering work in Brazil. The programme aligns with BAE Systems Hägglunds' strategy to meet growing demand for its all-terrain vehicles worldwide.
