Explore the National Defense Strategy, its challenges and opportunities for Brazil.
Brazil’s National Defense Strategy (END), implemented in 2008, represents a significant milestone in the country’s defense policy. Composed of axes aimed at reorganizing the Armed Forces, strengthening the defence industry and promoting cybersecurity, the END aims to align national security with economic and technological development. However, the implementation of this strategy faces financial and technological challenges that could jeopardize its objectives. This article explores these challenges and the opportunities for innovation and national sovereignty in Brazil, providing a comprehensive view of future prospects.
The financial challenges of the END are evident, especially in the face of a restrictive budget scenario. Between 2014 and 2023, the Ministry of Defense’s budget suffered a drastic reduction of around 48%. In 2023, only 6.6% of the R$121 billion was allocated to investments, while a significant part was spent on personnel expenses. This budget limitation not only slows down strategic projects, such as the Integrated Border Monitoring System (SISFRON), but could also lead to the technological obsolescence of the Armed Forces, compromising the country’s readiness and ability to respond to emerging threats.
Brazilian Defense Challenges: Budget and Technological Dependence
In addition to financial difficulties, dependence on foreign technologies is a significant obstacle. Despite the END’s efforts to promote technological autonomy, Brazil still resorts to importing critical systems, such as radars and defense software. This dependence impacts the country’s ability to develop robust national solutions, as evidenced by the lack of references to artificial intelligence (AI) in the Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Strategy (EBIA). This gap is worrying, especially in a global environment where hybrid and cyber threats are becoming increasingly common.
Macroeconomic instability and budget cuts, which began in 2016, hinder the long-term planning needed to modernize the Armed Forces. The goal of investing 2% of GDP in defense, the standard for NATO countries, remains distant, with Brazil spending around 1.5% in 2023. This restricted financial scenario not only limits the country’s ability to adequately equip its forces, but also jeopardizes the protection of strategic resources, such as the Amazon and the pre-salt, which are essential for national security.
Innovation and Sovereignty: Opportunities for National Defense
Despite the challenges, Brazil has several opportunities to strengthen its National Defense Strategy. The New Growth Acceleration Program (PAC) was a significant step, allocating R$53 billion to strategic projects such as PROSUB, Sisfron and the development of the F-39 Gripen. These initiatives not only aim to modernize the Armed Forces, but also to stimulate the Defence Industrial Base (BID), contributing to job creation and the advancement of technological innovation in the national territory.
The internationalization of Brazilian companies, such as Embraer, represents a promising strategy for reducing external dependence. Partnerships with countries like Sweden and France not only facilitate technology transfer, but also promote the construction of a robust defense ecosystem. The adoption of dual-use technologies, which can be applied in both civilian and military contexts, maximizes available resources and boosts innovation in sectors such as precision agriculture and national defence.
Towards the Future: Consolidating Brazil’s Defense Strategy
Cybersecurity is emerging as a growing priority in the context of the END. The Brazilian Army is already integrating artificial intelligence into its operations, as established in the 2024 Directive, to deal with digital threats. The articulation of policies, such as the Defense Articulation and Equipment Plan (PAED) and Law No. 12,598/2012, which offers tax incentives to BID, reinforce Brazil’s technological autonomy. For these advances to be consolidated, it is imperative to guarantee a stable minimum budget, as suggested by the Minister of Defense, and to promote public awareness of the importance of defense for national sovereignty.
Brazil’s National Defense Strategy presents a complex panorama, full of challenges and opportunities. Although financial constraints and dependence on foreign technologies are significant obstacles, recent initiatives and the growing priority given to cybersecurity signal a promising future for national defense. By strengthening the Defense Industrial Base and promoting technological innovation, Brazil can not only guarantee its sovereignty, but also position itself as a relevant player in the global security scenario. The continuity of this process will depend on a firm commitment to investment in defense and collaboration between government, industry and society.
