Brazil Defense Aviation Sector
Brazil’s defense aviation sector stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s military capabilities, boasting the largest fleet of military aircraft in Latin America. With approximately 700 aircraft in operation, the Brazilian Armed Forces maintain a diverse and robust fleet that underscores the country’s strategic importance in the region.
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) operates the majority of the nation’s military aircraft, showcasing a wide array of capabilities. Among its assets are the supersonic Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II light fighters, which celebrated 50 years of service in 2025. Despite their longevity, these aircraft are still in operation and require extensive maintenance and repair. Other notable aircraft include the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano light fighters, used for training and combat; the versatile Embraer KC-390 military transport aircraft; and the newly acquired F-39 Gripen fighter jets, which represent a significant modernization of Brazil’s aerial capabilities.
The Army Aviation (AvEx) fleet complements the FAB with a focus on rotary-wing aircraft. Key assets include Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks for transport, Panther and Cougar HM-1/HM-3 helicopters for multi-mission roles, and HA-1 Eurocopter helicopters for reconnaissance and attack missions. The Brazilian Navy, while primarily reliant on helicopters for its operations, also fields fixed-wing attack aircraft such as the Skyhawk and Seahawk.
Maintaining such a diverse fleet presents logistical and financial challenges for the Brazilian armed forces. While the Ministry of Defense prefers maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services to be conducted in-house, some more complex MRO activities are outsourced to external providers, creating an opportunity for U.S. suppliers. Contracts for these services, as well as the acquisition of spare parts and components for these aircraft, are frequently managed through Requests for Quotation (RFQs) issued by the Brazilian Armed Forces Commissions. These purchasing commissions contract directly with U.S. companies from their headquarters in Washington, D.C., creating an easy springboard for U.S. companies to sell to the Brazilian military.
U.S. Companies interested in bidding on RFQs issued by the Brazilian Armed Forces Commissions in Washington, D.C. must register with each service branch’s supplier portal to view the active RFQs and bid on these projects. For additional information on how to identify business opportunities in Brazil’s defense sector, please contact Daniele Andrews, Senior Commercial Specialist for the defense and space sector in Brazil, at the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia, at daniele.andrews@trade.gov.