The Brazilian Air Force is to receive three aircraft specifically designed for search-and-rescue operations from Airbus Defense and Space.

The three Airbus C-295s, designated SC-105 Amazonas by Brazil, are expected to be delivered in 2017 and will join the service's fleet of 10 more basic variant C-295s in Campo Grande, from where they can reach any part of the country, the Brazilian Air Force said.

The aircraft will feature an electro-optical system with infrared search capability. The aircrafts' nose cones will be fitted with the EL / M-2022A (V) 3 radars, for land and sea searches, and a satellite communication system.

The aircraft can also be used for cargo transport, the launch of paratroops, medical evacuation and surveillance.

"Alongside the P-3AM and KC-390, the three new SC-105s will be the main FAB aircraft responsible for ensuring compliance with Brazil's role in international search and rescue agreements," the Brazilian Air Force said.

"As a signatory of the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization treaties, Brazil is responsible for rescue in an area that extends to the meridian 10. In addition to the mainland, more than 22 million square kilometers [about 8.4 square million miles] of ocean come under Brazilian responsibility."