In the heart of Rio Grande do Sul, one of Brazil’s largest defense innovation hubs pulsates. With over four decades of history, AEL Sistemas is synonymous with cutting-edge technology applied to national sovereignty, delivering strategic solutions in avionics, drones, tactical communications, and embedded systems for the Armed Forces.
Founded in 1982 in Porto Alegre, the company emerged with a clear purpose: to develop the first avionics systems to meet the strategic needs of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The beginning was marked by the design and production of the first electronic units for the T-27 Tucano and AMX (A-1) aircraft, shaping a culture of excellence that remains in the company’s DNA. Since then, AEL has been writing its name in the history of national defense with innovation, precision, and commitment.
T-27 Tucano aircraft, of the Brazilian Air Force. — Photo: Sgt. Johnson/FAB.
40 Years of Technological Evolution
Operating across various FAB programs, AEL has supplied embedded systems for aircraft such as the A-29 Super Tucano, F-5M, E-99, KC-390 Millennium, and the modern F-39 Gripen fighter. It was with the latter that the company took a step further, developing the Wide Area Display (WAD) — a high-resolution panoramic screen with a touchscreen interface and HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) commands, now one of the technological differentiators of the Gripen NG used by air forces around the world.
In 2001, AEL became part of the Elbit Systems Group, one of the world’s largest defense conglomerates, expanding its international presence and initiating a new cycle of growth, fostered by technological leaps and integration with global programs. In 2004, it assumed logistic management of FAB aircraft through the CLS (Contracted Logistics Support) model, ensuring operational availability.
HMD, HUD, and WAD equipment developed by AEL for the Gripen. — Photo: Art/AEL Sistemas.
Protagonismo em Sistemas Aéreos Não Tripulados
Protagonists in Unmanned Aerial Systems
AEL is also a protagonist in the supply, training, and support of unmanned aerial system operations in Brazil. It was responsible for delivering the first RQ-450 drone to the FAB in 2009 and, subsequently, the advanced RQ-900, now a key asset in critical missions conducted by the Brazilian Air Force. With a flight endurance of up to 36 hours and high-precision sensors, the Hermes 900 is a strategic platform for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance — enabling persistent monitoring actions with safety, precision, and without troop exposure.
The technology of the H900 not only reinforces national sovereignty but is also applicable in other contexts, such as responding to natural disasters, floods, wildfires, and humanitarian actions. The capacity for aerial mapping, secure communication, and real-time data collection makes it a valuable tool for protecting lives and supporting decisions in critical moments.
Hermes 900 aircraft, of the Brazilian Air Force. — Photo: Sgt. Müller Marin/FAB.
Tactical Connectivity and Sovereignty in Communication
In the field of communications, AEL leads the development of systems such as Link-BR2, an encrypted datalink that allows for real-time data exchange between aircraft, vessels, and troops on the ground. This technology is already being integrated into Armed Forces operations, enabling shared situational awareness and the precise coordination of joint missions.
Another highlight is the Software Defined Radio (SDR), developed in partnership with the Ministry of Defense. The SDR ensures interoperability between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, allowing for reliable communication at all operational levels — from the soldier in the field to strategic command.
These solutions work in synergy to compose a 100% national command, control, and communication (C4ISR) ecosystem, essential for operations in complex environments such as the Amazon or in high-intensity conflict scenarios.
SDR Defense Equipment. — Photo: AEL Sistemas.
Brazilian Engineering with Global Excellence
Considered a Center of Excellence in Defense Technology — AEL boasts a structure of over 12,000 m² in Porto Alegre — equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, integrated production lines, and a highly qualified technical body: there are approximately 460 employees, more than half of whom are engineers specializing in embedded software, sensors, artificial intelligence, and systems integration.
This innovation ecosystem positions the company as one of the main references in Brazil’s Defense Industrial Base, contributing not only to the strengthening of the Armed Forces but also to the country’s technological and industrial development.
Commitment to the Future of Defense
AEL’s trajectory is marked by pioneering spirit, strategic partnerships, and a long-term vision. Born as a small division of Aeromot in the 1980s, today it is a company that exports technology and integrates latest-generation global programs.
“We remain firm in building the future of national defense — with excellence, technology, and innovation,” highlights Gal Lazar, president of AEL Sistemas.
