Brazil Defense Exports Hit US$1.31 Bln in H1, Reaching 74% of 2024 Record

Authorizations for the export of defense products and services reached US$ 1.31 billion in the first half of 2025. This figure represents 73.6% of the record set in 2024, when the sector posted US$ 1.78 billion — the best result in the past 11 years. Currently, Brazil’s defense industry exports to around 140 countries across all continents, with 34% of exports consisting of aircraft, parts, and components. The sector accounts for 3.58% of Brazil’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generates 2.9 million direct and indirect jobs.

According to Heraldo Luiz Rodrigues, Secretary of Defense Products at the Ministry of Defense, the sector’s growth reflects increasing competitiveness, as well as a constant pursuit of autonomy and commercial opportunities both domestically and abroad. “We play a key role in supporting defense exports, which includes fostering the necessary technological development to ensure next-generation products, as well as providing financing, insurance, commercial support, and promotion of products from our Defense Industrial Base (BID).”

Brazil aims to reach 55% self-sufficiency in technologies such as radars, satellites, and rockets by next year, key components of strategic projects across the three branches of the Armed Forces. The current rate stands at 42%. By 2033, the target is 75%, which would allow greater autonomy in the development of defense-related research projects. Defense Minister José Mucio Monteiro presented this projection during the launch of “Mission 6” of the New Brazilian Industry Program (NIB) in February.

“Self-sufficiency in defense-relevant technologies could further boost exports. Brazilian companies have a significant installed capacity and produce globally recognized, high-quality products. This drives international sales. We are already seeing strong results in 2025. The figures show that our exports are growing at a pace consistent with maintaining a robust Defense Industrial Base, capable of supporting our Armed Forces whenever necessary,” added Secretary Heraldo Luiz.

Defense Sector Overview – The BID portfolio includes 283 companies and 2,064 products registered with the Ministry of Defense, including aircraft, vessels, cyber solutions for data protection, radars, secure communication systems, and weapons.

Source: Ministry of Defense

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