Brazil’s Military Arsenal in 2025 – An Impressive Overview

Brazil today possesses a broad range of weapon systems and military capabilities that secure its national territory while enabling participation in international operations. This overview presents some of the country’s key weapon categories – from classic small arms to advanced fighter jets and naval vessels. Below is a detailed look at the main branches of Brazil’s armed forces as of 2025.

Rifles and Small Arms

Brazilian infantry primarily uses Imbel IA2 rifles (5.56 mm and 7.62 mm), FN FAL M964 (being phased out), and special forces employ HK416, HK417, and Colt M4. Handguns include models from Taurus and Imbel (9×19 mm), along with machine guns such as the FN Minimi (M249), FN MAG (7.62 mm), and Browning M2 (.50 cal).

Sniper Rifles

Brazilian snipers operate weapons like the domestically produced Imbel AGLC (7.62 mm bolt-action), Remington M40, semi-automatic M110 SASS, and powerful Barrett .50 anti-materiel rifles for long-range missions.

Anti-Tank Weapons

To counter enemy armor, Brazil employs the Carl-Gustaf M3 (84 mm), AT4 anti-tank rockets, the domestically developed MAX 1.2 AC missile, and advanced SPIKE LR2 anti-tank missiles from Israel.

Artillery and Mortars

Brazil’s firepower includes the ASTROS II rocket artillery system, self-propelled M109A5+ howitzers (155 mm), towed M114 (155 mm), and 105 mm howitzers from the US, UK, and Italy. Mortars in calibers 120 mm, 81 mm, and 60 mm supplement the force.

Main Battle Tanks

Brazil maintains a robust tank fleet centered on the Leopard 1A5BR, supported by Leopard 1A1BE, American M60A3 TTS tanks, and the new Centauro II wheeled tank destroyers with 120 mm guns.

Armored Vehicles

For transport and support, the army uses the VBTP-MR Guarani (6×6), EE-9 Cascavel armored cars, upgraded M113 tracked APCs, and light armored vehicles like the Iveco VBMT-LSR “Guaicurus.”

Air Defense

Brazil’s air defense systems include the self-propelled Gepard 1A2 (35 mm), along with shoulder-launched missiles like the Russian Igla-S (SA-24) and the Swedish RBS 70 (Mk.2 and NG) for short-range protection.

Military Helicopters (Army)

The army’s rotary-wing fleet includes Helibras Fennec (HA-1), Pantera (HM-1), Cougar (HM-3), EC725 Caracal (HM-4 Jaguar), and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, used for reconnaissance and transport missions.

Military Helicopters (Navy)

The navy operates Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk for anti-submarine warfare, Westland AH-11B Super Lynx, Helibras UH-15 Super Cougar for amphibious operations, and smaller patrol helicopters like the UH-12 Esquilo.

Submarines

Brazil’s submarine force consists of modern Riachuelo-class (Scorpène design) diesel-electric submarines and older Tupi-class (Type 209 design). The nuclear-powered submarine SN Álvaro Alberto is under development, with delivery expected after 2030.

Surface Vessels

Brazil’s navy includes the aircraft carrier NAM Atlântico, Niterói-class frigates, the Barroso-class corvette, and patrol ships in the Amazonas, Macaé, and Grajaú classes. Amphibious capability is provided by the ships Bahia and Almirante Sabóia.

Naval Missile Systems

The navy primarily uses French Exocet MM40 anti-ship missiles, Aspide and Sea Wolf surface-to-air missiles, and is preparing to integrate the Sea Ceptor system. Air-launched Exocet AM39 missiles are also deployed on naval helicopters.

Fighter and Transport Aircraft (Air Force)

Brazil’s combat aircraft fleet includes the advanced Saab F-39 Gripen NG, Northrop F-5EM Tiger II, and the EMB 314 Super Tucano (COIN). The transport fleet features the Embraer KC-390 Millennium, Airbus KC-30 (A330 MRTT), and the CASA C-295 Amazonas.

Maritime Patrol and Surveillance Aircraft

Brazil operates Lockheed P-3AM Orion patrol aircraft, Embraer EMB-111 (P-95) maritime surveillance planes, and E-99M AEW&C aircraft equipped with airborne radar for command and control over Brazil’s vast airspace.

Air-Launched Missile Systems

Brazilian combat aircraft are equipped with Meteor BVR air-to-air missiles, IRIS-T and A-Darter for close combat, Derby and Python medium-range missiles, and MAR-1 anti-radiation missiles. Precision-guided munitions such as Paveway II and JDAM are used for ground targets.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.