Brasília (DF) – The Brazilian Army develops Strategic Programs that have a direct impact on society, not only by strengthening the country’s defense capabilities, but also by boosting economic and technological development.
By investing in new equipment, defense systems and infrastructure, the Army generates thousands of jobs, contributes to the growth of national industry and promotes innovation. These programs also play a key role in supporting public security, combating drug and arms trafficking and protecting borders, contributing to an environment of stability and prosperity for Brazil. It is estimated that the strategic programs create around 53,000 jobs, including direct, indirect and induced jobs, positively impacting various sectors of the economy.
The Army is currently developing the Force 40 Project, which identifies the capabilities needed to face the challenges up to 2040, including issues such as dependence on advanced technologies, universal access to information and cyber security.
The main Strategic Programs include the Armored Forces, Astros, the Integrated Border Monitoring System (SISFRON), the Anti-Aircraft Defense Program and Army Aviation.
Armored Forces
The Armoured Forces aims to modernize and transform the Army’s brigades, with a focus on armoured and mechanized vehicles. With the delivery of more than 700 Guarani vehicles, as well as new models such as the Guaicurus and Centauro, the Army is strengthening its mobilization and combat capabilities.
The programme also includes the acquisition of 155 mm self-propelled howitzers, the modernization of the Cascavel vehicles and the revitalization of the Leopard 1A5 BR armoured vehicles. All of this is integrated with weapons systems, protection systems and command and control systems.
The programme also includes research and development projects for military equipment, as well as complementary actions, infrastructure and preparation, adapting military organizations to receive new military equipment and contributing to the training of operators and mechanics.
Astros Program
The Astros Program seeks to equip the Army with a long-range, high-precision strategic fire system, including tactical cruise missiles with a range of up to 500 km. With the development of new technologies, Brazil has positioned itself as one of the few countries capable of producing these missiles.
In addition, the programme includes the modernization of field and anti-aircraft artillery and the acquisition of missile launch vehicles, strengthening national defence.
Integrated Border Monitoring System
SISFRON is focused on controlling Brazil’s extensive land borders. With 16,886 km of borders, the program uses advanced surveillance and sensing equipment to combat drug and arms trafficking, protect indigenous communities and preserve the environment. Its work has been essential in Operation Ágata 2024, which resulted in significant seizures of illegal goods.
SISFRON has already been deployed on the borders of the states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Roraima, and has acquired modern surveillance equipment for 11 Special Border Squads.
Anti-Aircraft Defense Program
Current conflicts have shown the intense use of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, cruise missiles and remotely piloted aircraft systems. In order to counter these aerial threats, modern anti-aircraft defense systems are needed in sufficient quantity to deal with the numerous threats.
In this context, the Strategic Anti-Aircraft Defense Program aims to recover and obtain low, medium and high altitude anti-aircraft defense capabilities, modernizing the military organizations that make up the Ground Force’s Anti-Aircraft Defense.
Army Aviation Program
The Army Aviation Program aims to modernize the Army’s aircraft fleet, including maneuvering and attack helicopters, as well as implementing the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Project (RPAS or drone). The modernization of the Fennec and Pantera helicopters and the acquisition of 12 Black Hawk helicopters, between 2025 and 2031, will expand the capabilities to support military and civil defence operations, as demonstrated in the humanitarian aid operations in Acre and Rio Grande do Sul in 2024.
Since its origins in 1648, the Brazilian Army has adapted and evolved to meet the new challenges of each era. The institution’s strategic planning, which is constantly updated, reflects its commitment to keeping the Force prepared for its constitutional missions.
The 2008 National Defense Strategy highlighted the importance of strategic programs as pillars for the modernization of the Armed Forces, acting as vectors of transformation and technological innovation. These programs were expanded and now number 13, forming the Army’s Strategic Portfolio, and not only modernize the Force’s capabilities, but also contribute directly to Brazil’s development.
In this way, the Army’s Strategic Programs generate capabilities for the Force and play an important role in Brazil’s economic and social development. With the growing demand for new equipment, the Army boosts national industry, especially in the fields of research and development, generating new business opportunities and jobs. The defense sector also benefits other segments of the economy, such as technology and engineering, creating a virtuous cycle of innovation and growth.