RIO DE JANEIRO, May 11 (BERNAMA-NNN-MERCOPRESS) -- The Brazilian navy has successfully tested an Exocet MM40 missile totally designed, developed and manufactured in the country by Avibras with support from the European group MBDA - partly owned by BAE Systems.

The test took place April 18 from the frigate "Almirante Barroso", local media reported.

This is the first time the Brazilian Navy has made a test of this kind targeted to strike surface vessels and which represents "the country's autonomy in the development and manufacturing of medium range missiles' engines", according to reports in the Rio media.

The innovation achieved with missile engines, and tested with the launching of the Exocet MM40 from the corvette "Almirante Barroso" enables Brazil to become totally autonomous in the manufacturing and certification of engines for this kind of missiles, which where originally developed with the help from France's Aerospatiale.

"The missile tests with Brazilian engines took place last April 18 and were a full success", said project head Rear Admiral Ronaldo Fiuza de Castro, adding that the feat was achieved following an agreement with Brazil's private company Avibras which specialises in the development of military technologies and the European group MBDA, world leaders in mid range missiles and anti-missiles systems.

"The project and the successful testing reinforces cooperation between the Brazilian government and national and international companies as well as opening new markets for the companies involved", said Sami Yousseff Hassuani, president of Avibras.

"The test reinforces our strategic association with Brazil, a rising power in the international geopolitical scenario" said Patrick de La Reveliere head of MBDA sales and exports Vice president who underlined that the project started back in 2008 demanded an investment of US$75 million.

"The development of this technology will help Brazil in the near future to export missile engines or adapt them to other models, nationally or foreign designed", said Rear Admiral Fiuza de Castro.

"The test must be included among the great achievements of the Brazilian navy" said Admiral Julio Soares de Moura Neto, commander of the Brazilian fleet.

He added Avibras has shown its capability in developing, manufacturing and certifying this type of propulsion technology for the Exocet MM40 missiles as well as the capacity to begin production.

The Exocet family of missiles mainly for attacking surface vessels has been made to operate in all weather conditions and adaptable to different platforms. When surface to surface it is identified as MM40; sea-air AM39 for downing aircraft and helicopters; surface submarines SM39 and land to sea, BC, for coastal batteries.

MBSA is a missile developer and manufacturer with operations in France, Britain, Germany, Italy and the US. It was formed by a merger of Aerospatiale-Matra Missiles (EADS), Finmeccanica and Matra BAE Dynamics. BAE Systems holds 37.5%, EADS 37.5% and Finmeccanica, 25%.

-- BERNAMA-NNN-MERCOPRESS