France To Outline Naval Package for Brazil

France will propose a package of ocean patrol vessels (OPVs), frigates and an auxiliary refueling tanker in competition with Britain and Italy in response to Brazil's modernization of its surface fleet, the international director for the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) procurement office said Sept. 20.

Brazil has not opened an international tender but is holding "consultations" with the European countries, Jacques de Lajugie, head of the DGA's department for international development, told a press conference on the Euronaval trade show, which opens at Le Bourget airport Oct. 25.

"We are not in the habit of making unsolicited offers," de Lajugie said. The French offer would be based on specific requirements set by the Brazilian authorities, who are looking to acquire three distinct types of vessels: an OPV, a multimission frigate for the high seas and a tanker for ship-to-ship refueling, he said.

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