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The Lula government opts for US-made helicopters worth R$5 billion, ignoring the capacity of the national industry and putting Brazil's security at risk. Understand what is behind this decision and the economic impact it may cause.
When the Brazilian government, under the leadership of President Luiz Inácio Squid da Silva decides to invest billions in helicopters from an American company, many wonder: what is behind this choice?
In a multi-million dollar transaction involving the purchase of 12 Black Hawk helicopters, national security could be at risk, and the country's economy could also suffer irreparable damage.
What is behind the purchase of Black Hawk helicopters?
According to reliable sources, the federal government has announced its intention to spend around R$5,2 billion on the purchase of helicopters Black Hawk, manufactured by the American company Sikorsky, a subsidiary of the military giant Lockheed Martin.
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However, the most intriguing thing about this negotiation is that, instead of encouraging aircraft production in Brazil, as occurs with other large national manufacturers, such as Helibras, the government seems to ignore the capabilities of the Brazilian industry.
Since its founding in 1978, Helibras has demonstrated its competence in manufacturing high-quality helicopters for various uses, including the production of the H-145M, a medium-sized twin-turbine model that would perfectly meet the needs of the Brazilian Army.
This local option, in addition to generating jobs and strengthening the national economy, could guarantee greater autonomy for the country, without dependence on foreign suppliers.
Risk to national security and external dependence
According to experts, the Brazilian government may be making a risky decision by importing helicopters without guaranteeing technological counterparts.
Brazilian legislation, specifically Law 12.598/2012, requires the country to ensure the transfer of technology in defense agreements, to guarantee independence in terms of maintenance and operation of equipment.
The purchase of the Black Hawk, without an adequate counterpart, could leave Brazil vulnerable, as we would depend on a foreign company for the maintenance and modernization of the aircraft.
The risk, therefore, is not only economic, but also national security. For expert Roberto Caiafa, one of the biggest names in the defense sector in Brazil, the purchase of Black Hawk helicopters could compromise the country's sovereignty, as he argues that models such as the H-145M, manufactured by Helibras in Minas Gerais, would be more suitable for the Brazilian reality.
Furthermore, the H-145M model would be more versatile and better adapted to the needs of the armed forces, in addition to providing substantial gains for the local industry.
The economic impact on Minas Gerais and the loss of investments
If the Brazilian government closes the deal with the American company, the economic impact will be significant.
Helibras, controlled by the giant Airbus Helicopters, had planned to invest R$300 million in its factory in Itajubá, Minas Gerais, to produce the aircraft nationally.
The loss of this investment would represent not only a frustration for the company, but also a great loss for the local economy, which already depends heavily on the aeronautical industry and job creation in the region.
The transfer of manufacturing to the USA, Therefore, it not only represents a loss for Brazil in terms of security and autonomy, but also in terms of economic growth and the generation of qualified jobs.
Instead of strengthening the national industry, the government seems, once again, to opt for external interests, disregarding the potential of Helibras and the impact that this could have on the country as a whole.
A questionable strategic choice
The Lula government's decision to prioritize the purchase of Black Hawk helicopters raises a series of questions, mainly about the future of the national defense industry.
With Helibras capable of manufacturing excellent quality aircraft and with a solid maintenance and logistics infrastructure in Brazil, many wonder if there are hidden reasons for choosing a foreign option.
Furthermore, experts warn that this decision goes beyond a simple purchase of helicopters.
It is linked to a broader defense policy and a model of dependence that could place Brazil in a vulnerable position in the near future.
What does the future hold for the Brazilian defense industry?
The choice between investing in a strong national industry or prioritizing agreements with foreign companies is an issue that involves not only economics, but also sovereignty and security.
The government has a duty to make decisions that guarantee Brazil's independence and strengthen its defense capacity, without compromising autonomy and national security.
If Brazil chooses to continue investing in imported equipment without the appropriate technological counterpart, the future of the national defense industry could be even more compromised.
The country has the resources, technical capacity and qualified workforce to build its own aircraft and, thus, guarantee greater security and independence.
The decision that could mark the future of Brazilian defense
The question is simple: why does the government prefer to close advantageous deals with other countries instead of betting on the potential of the national industry? Lula's choice to opt for Black Hawk helicopters manufactured in the United States could represent a setback for Brazil's defense industry, compromising its national security and its economy in a move that seems disconnected from the country's needs.
Are Brazil's national security and economic development being sacrificed in the name of international agreements?
This article reads more like gossip! Everything is in the “if” mode…the armed forces should know what is most important to them…it’s not Lula who makes a decision.