United States–Brazil Military Partnership

As a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), Brazil benefits from military training programs, arms sales, and intelligence-sharing agreements with the U.S. However, Brazil’s historical preference for strategic autonomy limits its involvement in U.S.-led military coalitions, instead focusing on Amazon security, peacekeeping, and naval power projection in the South Atlantic.

History and Strategic Context

• World War II (1942–1945): Brazil was the only South American nation to send troops to fight alongside the Allies, with the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB) participating in the Italian Campaign.
• Cold War Cooperation (1947–1990s): Brazil and the U.S. worked together on anti-communist policies, military training, and regional stability operations.
• Post-Cold War Shift (1990s–2010s): Brazil prioritized independent defense capabilities, but continued engaging with the U.S. through peacekeeping missions and military technology exchanges.
• Major Non-NATO Ally (2019–Present): The U.S. designated Brazil as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), facilitating defense industry cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and joint exercises.

Key Defense Agreements and Initiatives

• Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) Status (2019): Grants Brazil access to advanced U.S. military technology, priority training programs, and arms sales.
• Defense Cooperation Agreement (2010): Establishes a framework for military exchanges, officer training, and strategic coordination.
• Research, Development, and Technology Sharing (2020): Facilitates joint defense industry projects, including space cooperation and aerospace development.
• Joint Military Exercises:
  • UNITAS (Annual Exercise): The longest-running multinational maritime exercise in the world, strengthening U.S.-Brazil naval cooperation.
  • Southern Vanguard (Army Joint Training): Enhances U.S.-Brazilian Army interoperability.
  • Cruzex (Brazil-led Air Force Exercise): Includes U.S. Air Force participation in air defense and counterinsurgency operations.
• Counterterrorism and Regional Security: The U.S. and Brazil collaborate on anti-drug operations, cyber defense, and regional crisis response in Latin America.

Key Military Installations and Areas of Cooperation

• Alcântara Space Center: Brazil and the U.S. signed an agreement in 2019 allowing U.S. space launches from Brazil, leveraging its equatorial location for fuel-efficient satellite launches.
• Amazon Security Cooperation: Brazil works with the U.S. on monitoring illegal trafficking, deforestation, and environmental security in the Amazon Basin.
• Naval and Air Force Coordination: Both countries participate in joint maritime patrols, intelligence-sharing, and aerospace development.

Strategic Significance

• Strengthens U.S. Presence in South America: Enhances regional stability and counterterrorism efforts.
• Expands Brazil’s Defense Industry Access: Facilitates military technology sharing and arms trade, particularly in aerospace and naval development.
• Supports Brazil’s Global Security Role: Enables Brazil to expand its UN peacekeeping capabilities and regional leadership.
• Balances Brazil’s Multi-Alignment Policy: While cooperating with the U.S., Brazil also maintains defense ties with China, Russia, and the European Union.

Links

• U.S.-Brazil Defense Cooperation Agreement (2010)
• Brazil’s Major Non-NATO Ally Status (2019)
• UNITAS Joint Naval Exercises