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Brazil vs Venezuela: Who has the most powerful military?

Written by Noel Budeguer
Published 26/01/2025 às 10:00
Army - Brazilian Army - Venezuela

Understand the military power of the Brazilian Navy, Air Force and Army compared to Venezuela

In recent days, diplomatic relations between Brazil and Venezuela have faced new turbulences. The most recent incident occurred when Venezuelan forces invaded Brazilian territory, leading the government to demand formal explanations from President Nicolás Maduro. Another episode that raised tensions was a publication made by the Bolivarian National Police in October. The controversial image showed the silhouette of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the Brazilian flag, accompanied by the phrase: “Caracas does not accept blackmail from anyone” and the hashtag “Whoever messes with Venezuela will be in trouble”.

The post was interpreted as a gesture of intimidation, possibly in response to Brazil's decision to veto Venezuela's entry into the BRICS bloc. For Caracas, this refusal was considered an “aggression”. In response, the Foreign Ministry expressed surprise at the tone adopted, reiterating the importance of mutual respect and non-intervention in internal matters. After the post was removed by Venezuelan authorities, the fragility of bilateral relations became clear, highlighting the need for diplomatic dialogue to avoid a worsening of the situation.

Military Comparison: Brazil and Venezuela in the South American scenario

Brazil and Venezuela both have significant armed forces in South America, but they differ markedly in their numbers, resources and investments. While both play strategic roles in their respective regions, Brazil's military capabilities stand out in several aspects. Below, we analyze each country's armed forces based on data from sources such as Global Firepower and CIA World Factbook.

Military Strength: Brazil at an absolute advantage

Brazil has a total force of approximately 366.614 military personnel

According to Global Firepower, Brazil has a total military force of approximately 366.614, comprising its Army, Navy and Air Force. In contrast, Venezuela has approximately 115.000 active military personnel. This difference is also reflected in ground power: the Brazilian Army is nearly twice as strong as Venezuela’s, while Brazil’s air and naval forces outnumber Venezuela’s by up to four times.

In addition, Venezuela maintains reserve forces and militias totaling 515.000 members, including the National Guard and other paramilitary units. However, these groups focus on territorial defense strategies and do not have the level of technical preparation or specialization comparable to that of Brazilian troops.

Air Power: Brazilian superiority

Brazil operates around 120 fighter and attack aircraft

The Brazilian Air Force has a fleet far superior to that of Venezuela, both in number and technology. Brazil operates around 120 fighter and attack aircraft, including the modern F-39 Gripen, considered a milestone in South American military aviation. With a total of 371 attack aircraft and 913 helicopters (of which 281 are attack), Brazil demonstrates strong capacity for large-scale rescue and combat operations.

On the other hand, Venezuela has an air fleet of 280 aircraft. Despite operating Russian Su-30 fighters, which are advanced in terms of weapons, the country faces maintenance difficulties due to the economic crisis, which compromises the operationality of a large part of its fleet.

Land forces: Brazil with greater mobilization power

Brazil leads with a wide advantage in armored vehicles

On the ground, Brazil leads with a wide advantage in armored vehicles. There are around 44.000 units, compared to just 700 for Venezuela. This superiority is essential for large-scale operations and demonstrates Brazil's ability to project ground forces efficiently.

Although both countries have similar capabilities in rocket launchers – 52 in the case of Brazil and an equivalent number in Venezuela –, Brazil benefits from more advanced technology in missile systems, which reinforces its strategic defense capacity.

Naval Force: Brazil expands its technological advantage

The Brazilian Navy also stands out in relation to Venezuela

The Brazilian Navy also stands out in relation to Venezuela. With five operational submarines, including projects developed by the Submarine Development Program (Prosub), Brazil is advancing in the construction of a nuclear submarine. In addition, the Brazilian fleet is continually modernized, in contrast to Venezuela's 50 vessels and two submarines.

Prosub, which includes the infrastructure of Itaguaí (RJ), strengthens Brazil's technological sovereignty in the naval sector, allowing greater efficiency in the defense of its territorial waters.

Defense investment: Brazil leads in South America

In terms of military budget, Brazil is the country that invests the most in defense in the region. This investment is reflected in the modernization of equipment and the readiness of troops. On the other hand, Venezuela, which allocated 5,2% of its GDP to defense in 2019, faces severe budgetary constraints due to the economic crisis, hampering the maintenance and modernization of its armed forces.

Technology and drones: The Brazilian advantage

Another significant difference is the use of cutting-edge technology. Brazil has more than 24.295 drones, many of which are used for military operations and border monitoring, according to ANAC. Venezuela does not have a comparable infrastructure, which limits its surveillance and intelligence capabilities.

Geopolitical Alliances: A Contrasting Scenario

At the international level, Brazil maintains regional partnerships with countries such as Argentina and Colombia, while Venezuela has strategic alliances with Russia, Iran and China. These differences reflect distinct approaches to defense and military cooperation.

Brazil has a clear military advantage

The analysis shows that Brazil has better equipped and more diversified armed forces than Venezuela. With constant investments, advanced technologies and a significant military force, Brazil is consolidating its position as a military power in South America.

Meanwhile, Venezuela faces significant challenges in modernizing its forces, which are limited by financial constraints and dependence on external partnerships. In a potential regional conflict, Brazil's military superiority would be a decisive factor.

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Alexandre Bagolino
Alexandre Bagolino
26/01/2025 19:02

In a war between the two countries, Venezuela runs a great risk of having its lawns mowed and sidewalk curbs painted.

Michael
Michael
26/01/2025 22:41

Venezuela lol let's wipe it off the map lol

Ronaldo
Ronaldo
26/01/2025 23:49

BRAZIL ALWAYS, A STRONG ARM, A HELPING HAND

Noel Budeguer

Of Argentine nationality, I am a news writer and specialist in the field. I cover topics such as science, oil, gas, technology, the automotive industry, renewable energy and all trends in the job market.

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