English 
Spanish 
3 min read 
36 comments 
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) is increasing its national military power and has announced billion-dollar investments. The investments promise to boost the Brazilian air defense sector.
A Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has an ambitious modernization plan, with billion-dollar investments earmarked for the acquisition of new aircraft and cutting-edge technologies. According to information from Ministry of Defense, the project aims to strengthen the country's air defense, making 2025 a crucial year for the evolution of Brazilian military capacity.
Understand how the Brazilian Air Force's investments are distributed
Even with a tight budget, the FAB is focused on expanding its Brazilian air defense fleet, ensuring greater efficiency and response power. Highlights of the investments include the arrival of Gripen fighters, military helicopters and a new KC-390 cargo plane.
The KC-390 program continues to be the FAB's main focus in terms of modernization. In 2025, the government will invest R$627 million in the purchase of another cargo plane. This will be the eighth model in the fleet, strengthening the country as one of the main operators of this type of aircraft. Thanks to its versatility, the model offers a fundamental role in transport and aerial refueling missions.
- Russia tests nuclear missile with global range, highlighting military potential: RIA
- In surprising announcement, Trump unveils “virtually invisible” fighter jet named after him: New military aircraft made with Boeing is called “the most lethal in history”
- Brazilian Army invests R$5 billion in 96 Centauro II BR armored vehicles: new fleet modernizes land operations and reinforces national defense with advanced combat technology
- NATO ships to be equipped with electronic warfare system to confuse and neutralize missiles and drones
The FAB's investments in modernization are also focused on the purchase of new Gripen fighters. The FX-2 program will receive an amount of R$406 million, ensuring the arrival of two more fighters for Brazilian air defense in 2025. In addition, the Brazilian Air Force's resources will be used to purchase weapons, flight simulators and logistics services.
The other advantage of this investment is the transfer of technology, which consolidates the Brazilian aeronautical industry. With only two units scheduled for this year, the veteran F-5 Tigers are expected to remain in service for at least another five to eight years. This means that their deactivation, previously scheduled for the early 2030s, could be extended until the end of the decade.
FAB will invest in conversion of Airbus A330
The modernization of the Brazilian Air Force also includes the conversion of the Airbus A330 aircraft for in-flight refueling. This project will involve an investment of R$1,14 billion, making it possible to expand the FAB's operational autonomy.
Another point that is highlighted is the H-XBR project, which will receive investments of R$114 million. The focus is to consolidate the Brazilian industry in the production of multi-mission military helicopters, mitigating dependence on imports and increasing the country's technological capacity.
To train new pilots, the FAB is also investing in the TH-X program, which has received R$131 million. This project foresees the purchase of 27 light helicopters for training. In 2025, seven of these vehicles will be delivered, ensuring that new pilots receive high-standard training and that the FAB maintains its operational efficiency.
Objective of FAB investments
The Brazilian Air Force's investments in 2025 focus on fleet modernization and technological advancement, with the arrival of new structural upgrades and aircraft. The forecast that the F-5 Tiger fighters will remain in service for a few more years indicates the need for planning to ensure Brazil's continued air superiority in the coming years.
It is important to mention that the FAB will also invest R$6,5 million in a project in the sector artificial intelligence. The focus in the future is to have advanced systems for areas such as decision-making, aircraft maintenance, logistics optimization and scenario simulation.
This investment will enable the purchase of computing infrastructure, executing high-performance models locally, on the Air Force's own premises, in its Corporate Information Technology Center, located in São José dos Campos (SP). In the future, the focus will be on expanding the use of AI, including planning aircraft routes and combat situations.
Source: drotacultural, FAB and Youtube
Wow!!! 2 more Gripen fighters, 1K more kc 390; you're kidding, right?
I don't understand..., with a fleet of 7 kc 390, natural fuelers, why is the conversion of the A330 necessary???
The FX2 program is delayed due to budget constraints, as was the case with the number of kc390s from 25 to 18. Unfortunately, there is nothing to celebrate!