Por Mariana Alvarenga
On Thursday (21), the Minister of Defense, José Mucio Monteiro Filho, signed a partnership with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) to finance 22 projects in the defense sector. The agreement, worth R$238 million, has the support of the Financier of Studies and Projects (Finep) and will benefit 25 Brazilian companies. The ceremony took place at the MCTI headquarters in Brasília (DF).
On the occasion, the Minister of Defense stressed the contribution of the Defense Industrial Base (BID) to Brazil. “The inter-ministerial partnership aims to align paths and show the right direction for national objectives. Our defense companies have helped the country achieve levels of readiness and operability compatible with its challenges,” he said.
Minister José Mucio also pointed out that the initiative fosters innovation in the IDB, a sector that accounts for 4.8% of Brazil’s GDP and currently generates 2.9 million direct and indirect jobs in the country. The resource represents the largest volume of economic subsidy ever allocated to the defense industry by the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT).
In her speech, Minister Luciana Santos highlighted the importance of investing in defense for the benefit of other sectors of society. “Fostering the defense industrial base allows the state to have innovations that are essential for monitoring the environment and borders, guaranteeing the security of indigenous lands, the population and the national territory,” she said.
At the end of the ceremony, representatives of the selected companies received certificates of approval in the public selection. The proposals cover two themes: Defense Technologies and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (CBRND). Some of the projects concern aerospace propulsion, cyber defense and unmanned vehicles. The investment brings benefits to the Armed Forces, since it increases the institutions’ operational employment capacity and contributes to guaranteeing national sovereignty.
Finep’s call for proposals was launched in June 2023. The MD was part of the committee that assessed the needs and defined the requirements to be met. It also took part in the merit analysis of the proposals submitted by the companies.
Fotos: Moisés Machado