Brazil Military Expenditure

In many ways, we can observe that the Brazilian army is approximately 20 years behind the main military powers in the world. In South America, the situation is a little bit different. Although Brazil possesses the largest standing army in the continent (circa 300 thousand personnel), the country is technologically behind some neighbours.

Overall, the situation of the Brazilian army is critical. Even with the recent financial allocation the government is placing at the Defense Ministry, the situation is not bound to change in the near future unless a total reorientation of the sector is performed. In 2007, the government budget directed approximately US$ 3.5 billion dollars to the Defense Ministry. This amount doubled in 2008, though the numbers may reveal fake changes. Part of the money allocated for this year is aimed at reforming the Brazilian airports and the aviation system. In other words, a great amount of the US$ 5 billion dollars destined to the Defense, at least half of this will be used to re-order a civil operation system. Besides, President Lula increased the amount allocated this year, but this should be considered as recuperation since Lula preferred not to invest considerable amounts in the past years.

Numbers of the Brazilian Army:

-          Fighters: 267 (in flying condition)

-          Helicopters: 75

-          Frigates: 9

-          Submarines: 5

-          Armoured: 1,542

Investments (Perspectives):

-          Fighters: US$ 1 billion

-          200 Leopard Tanks: U$S 100 million

-          Nuclear Submarines: U$S 60 million

Personnel:

-          Army: 190 thousand

-          Air Force: 50 thousand

-          Navy: 48 thousand

In 2003, when the President began his term, he suspended the acquisition of air fighters that were considered vital for the re-structuration of the Air Force. According to some sources at the Defense Ministry, the material in the Brazilian Army dates back from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Most of them are considered obsolete in most First World countries.

In the Air Force, Brazil possesses the Mirage 5 fighters (from the 70`s). They are being modernized by the inclusion of avionic apparel. Nevertheless, the government is formalizing the acquisition of 30 new fighters.

More at: www.latinamericanpolitics.wordpress.com