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Lula associated the defense of the Amazon with the need to reinforce the Brazilian Army at the borders, stating this Thursday (21), in Espírito Santo, that he fears an incursion by Donald Trump into the region and that the country is unprotected
The statement brings territorial security back to the center of public debate at a time of diplomatic tension, concern with criminal factions, and changes in the Armed Forces. For the reader, the topic involves sovereignty, borders, military readiness, and protection of strategic areas.
Amazon, Brazilian Army, and borders come into the focus of the Planalto
During a cultural sector event in Espírito Santo, Lula said that Brazil has not paid enough attention to border protection. Commenting on Trump’s stance on Greenland, Canada, and the Panama Canal, he questioned who would guarantee that he wouldn’t claim the Amazon as his own.
The president also stated that “anyone” could invade Brazil today, considering the country unprotected. The statement broadens the political dimension of national defense and positions the Amazon as a symbol of sovereignty, security, and narrative dispute.
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In another part, Lula said he had already told Trump he did not want war with the United States. The desired confrontation, according to him, would be of narrative, to prove, with numbers, that Brazil would be right and the American wrong.
The statement was made amid negotiations over tariffs imposed by the White House against the Brazilian economy. The defense topic appeared linked to foreign policy and the government’s attempt to sustain its position against Washington.
Debate on factions increases caution of the Brazilian government
The statement comes as the Brazilian government tries to prevent a change in the designation of the Comando Vermelho and the Primeiro Comando da Capital as terrorist organizations. The assessment in the Planalto is that this change could open a legal loophole for United States interventions in Brazilian territory.
In the last meeting between Lula and Trump, held at the beginning of this month, the Brazilian president stated that the topic was not discussed. Even so, the subject remains sensitive because it involves transnational organized crime, internal security, and national sovereignty.
In this context, the Amazon and the Brazilian Army appear connected to a broader concern. The discussion is not limited to territorial control but extends to borders, state presence, defense against external threats, and response capability.
New Policy Reorganizes the Land Force
On May 1, 2026, the Brazilian Army published the New Policy for the Transformation of the Land Force. The document was approved to accelerate institutional modernization in the face of a more technological, lethal, and complex global scenario.
The policy aims to maintain the capability for deterrence and defense of Brazil’s sovereignty. To this end, it recognizes changes in the nature of warfare, marked by operations in multiple domains: land, air, maritime, space, electromagnetic, cyber, and cognitive.
The text highlights technological acceleration, the proliferation of drones, and the transparency of the battlefield. The intention is to adapt the Army to operational requirements and reorganize capabilities to respond to crises in the territory.
Minimum Readiness of 20% Aims for Quick Response
The transformation is structured around four pillars: Institutional Design, Capabilities, Doctrine, and Personnel. In institutional design, the Force will organize troops into employment groups, according to the mission, location, and type of response expected.
The Immediate Employment Forces will be responsible for the initial response, especially as they are on the border or near areas with crisis potential. Meanwhile, the Readiness Employment Forces can operate anywhere in the country.
Continuous Employment Forces are also planned, focused on deterrence, presence, territorial defense, formation of a mobilizable reserve, replenishments, and support to the State. There are also multidomain forces and expanded support modules.
One of the central points is the determination that at least 20% of the employment forces’ personnel be maintained at the highest level of readiness and resilience. The Army General Staff will define the brigades of this core.
This percentage aims to ensure a rapid response force capable of quick deployment to any point in the country, with information superiority, protection, and mobility. The measure aligns with presidential concerns about borders.
Technology, Doctrine, and Defense Industry Support Change
In the capabilities pillar, the policy foresees accelerated incorporation of emerging technologies. Among them are high-tech Military Employment Material, drones at various levels, artificial intelligence for decision support, and cyber protection.
The doctrine will be adjusted so that the new structures operate effectively in the multidomain environment. The goal is to improve the Organization Chart, maximize combined effects of land military capabilities, and enhance information superiority and lethality.
The personnel pillar emphasizes an agile mindset, advanced technological training, military leadership, and decision-making autonomy at lower levels.
The modernization also involves the Defense Industrial Base, with encouragement for research, critical technologies, and production chains.
This article was prepared based on information published by Folha and the website of the Brazilian Army. The content was supported by AI tools in editorial organization and underwent human review before publication.
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