Brazilian lawmakers eye additional BRL30 billion for military modernisation

The Tamandaré, the lead ship in a class of four multi-purpose frigates being built for the Brazilian Navy, undergoes sea trials ahead of commissioning scheduled for early 2026. (Brazilian Navy)

The Brazilian National Congress is soon expected to approve a bill aimed at delivering significant additional funding for the modernisation of the armed forces.

Complementary Law Project No 204/2025 (Projeto de Lei Complementar n° 204/2025: PLC n° 204/2025) would provide an additional BRL30 billion (USD5.6 billion), or BRL5 billion annually over the next six years, exclusively for the modernisation of the army, navy, and air force, according to the Federal Senate.

The bill is designed to establish a budget programme that is not subject to fiscal targets, enables funds from part of a specific federal tax to be used for defence acquisition, and prohibits limitations on commitments to strategic projects for national defence, the Federal Senate said.

The measure was formally approved by the Federal Senate on 22 October and submitted to the Chamber of Deputies on 27 October for review. Once approved at the National Congress level, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has 15 business days to approve or veto it.

Minister of Defence José Múcio Monteiro Filho has welcomed the legislation, stressing that it would help boost the modernisation of the armed forces and strengthen the Brazilian defence industrial base.

The BRL30 billion is intended to fund acquisition programmes, including the SISFRON (Sistema Integrado de Monitoramento de Fronteiras) border monitoring system, construction of the nuclear-powered attack submarine SNCA Almirante Álvaro Alberto by Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN), development of cruise missiles, and the procurement of Saab F-39E/F Gripen fighter jets and surface ships.

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