Brazilian Defense Industrial Base: a structural driver of sovereignty, technological innovation, and increased industrial competitiveness

Abstract

This article analyzes the Brazilian Defense Industrial Base (DIB) as a strategic industrial and technological ecosystem associated not only with national defense capabilities, but also with economic development, technological innovation, and industrial competitiveness. The study seeks to examine to what extent the Brazilian DIB can be understood as a structural driver of sovereignty, technological autonomy, and reindustrialization. The research adopts a methodological approach combining qualitative and quantitative analyses, based on data mining, sectoral classification, and cross-referencing of institutional, productive, and technological information. The analysis considers economic activities (CNAE), defense products (NCM), technological domains (IPC), public procurement records, and institutional databases related to the defense sector. The study identifies a dedicated core of approximately 985 companies with strong adherence to defense and security activities. The results indicate that the Brazilian DIB possesses relevant capabilities in strategic areas such as aerospace, naval systems, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, and critical technologies. However, the sector still faces structural challenges related to external dependence, institutional fragmentation, low predictability of public policies, fragile supply chains, and technological constraints imposed by international control regimes. The article argues that strengthening the DIB depends on coordinated long-term public policies, state-inducing mechanisms, technological innovation, and greater integration among defense, industry, science, and technology. In this context, the DIB emerges not only as a defense sector, but also as a strategic platform for technological upgrading, industrial development, and national competitiveness.