CHAPTER 2 — THE 21st CENTURY STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT traditional relations with developed world partners. At the same time that Brazil seeks to optimize conditions to obtain technology from more developed countries, the profile of nations which comprise the BRICS group and the IBAS Forum demonstrates that there are great possibilities for cooperation among developing countries, even in areas of advanced technology. For instance, the Air-to-Air Missile Program with South Africa, the outer space cooperation with Russia, the CBERS program with China and the 145 aircraft project by the Brazilian Aeronautical Company, (EMBRAER) with Indian radar. The latter is of seminal importance for future cooperation with India in the defense field. Air-to-Air Missile Program The Brazilian South African air forces are producing, in cooperation, a new missile called the A-Darter. The project began in 2006, with investments by both countries. The Brazilian team is supported by the Funding Authority for Studies and Projects (FINEP). The A-Darter is a fifth generation air-to-air, short-range defense missile, i.e. it is able to perform maneuvers to engage targets during flight with an infrared detection system. At regional level, especially in South America, the relationship between foreign and defense policies must be strong in order to foster and expand integration to empower South American action in the international arena. It should also be an aggregating factor in enabling the interaction of neighboring governments in order to prevent threats to the peace and security of the region. The South Atlantic joins Brazil to Africa, a neighboring continent which significantly influenced the creation of the Brazilian nation. Brazil’s special attention to Africa is reflected in increasing trade and financing and investments, such as the cooperation for the production of food and other agricultural goods with the support of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA). The protection of communication lines and trade routes with Africa is of strategic importance to the country. It is one more element in the consolidation of cooperative relations within the South Atlantic. 52 DEFENSE WHITE PAPER