Introduction
Brazil has the largest defense budget in South America and is a key buyer of Israeli weapons and military technology. Israel exports to Brazil include fighter jets, drones, missiles, riffles and spyware. Israel has also supplied Brazil with military and security training.
Israel – Brazil Relations
Brazil was one of the first countries to recognize the State of Israel, on 7 February 1949. During the military dictatorship, which stayed in place in Brazil from 1964 to 1985, the ties between the two countries stayed strong.[1]972Mag : Israels cozy ties with Brazils Military Dictatorship
Israel was the first country outside of South America to have signed (in 2007) a Free Trade Agreement with the MERCOSUL bloc, which Brazil is part of. [2]Elfinancierocr : Israel ampliará comercio con América Latina ante crisis de la UE
Brazil’s former president, Bolsonaro, is strongly connected to Netanyahu, and has been talking about moving the Brazilian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Netanyahu has visited Brazil for Bolsonaro’s election ceremony in 2018, and Bolsonaro has visited Israel the year after in 2019.[3]calcalistech : Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Arrives in Israel
In 2019, Brazil opened a trade office in Jerusalem.[4]Time of Israel : Brazil opens Trade Office
Israel and Brazil have signed agreements in the fields of energy, science, technology, innovation, civil aviation, industry, trade promotion and investments.[5]Consulate General of Israel in Sao Paulo, Bilateral Relations, 25.06.2024[6]cooperacaointernacional : BRAZIL-ISRAEL COOPERATION
Military Relations
*entire deal list is available for download on the sidebar.
Brazil has the largest defense budget in South America. While Brazil’s purchase of military equipment and services from Israel were limited during the 1980s and 1990s, these purchases have become a significant part of the trading relationship. During the period 2010-2019, Brazil ranked 7th in terms of receipt of Israel weapons exports. Brazil is a key buyer of Israeli weapons and military technology since the 1980’s.[7]Sipri Arms Trade Database
In November 2009 Israel Aerospace Industries signed a $350 million contract to supply drones to the Brazilian police – the largest such deal ever between Israel and Brazil.[8]Haaretz, Brazil to Buy $350m Worth of Drones From Israel, 12.11.2009
Between 2010 to 2018 Brazil signed hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts with Israeli manufacturer Elbit. Those deals include: a 2010 deal to purchase UT-25 and UT-30 IFV Turrets[9]SIPRI Arms Trade Database, 2 deals from 2010 and 2012 to purchase Hermes-450 drones,[10]SIPRI Arms Trade Database[11]SIPRI Arms Trade Database Lizard guided bombs[12]SIPRI Arms Trade Database, Hermes-900 UAV,[13]SIPRI Arms Trade Database Optical sights[14]Defense World, ARES To Sign Brazillian Army Optical Sights Deal for Rifles, 08.07.2014, armament towers for armored vehicles,[15]Folha de S.Paulo, Militares fazem acordo para comprar novos blindados ao custo de R$ 6,3 bi, 14.01.2017 C4ISR, Electronic Warfare (EW), radio and communication systems[16]Israel Defense, Elbit to Supply C4ISR, EW, and Communication Systems to Brazil, 10.05.2017, and avionic systems for KC-390 aircraft.[17]Israel Defense, Brazil receives first KC-390 aircraft with Elbit systems, 10.09.2019
The military and security relationship between Brazil and Israel includes joint ventures for the manufacture of military equipment and systems. While some of these are used for military purposes, a substantial part is used for police and security operations, ostensibly for drug-interdiction, but also for example for the 2016 Olympics. The Israeli security company ISDS was supposed to take care of security during the Olympics[18]Globes : ISDS to manage security at Rio Olympics, but the contract was canceled after pressure from human rights groups.[19]Brazil cancels $2b contract for 2016 Olympics
Brazil regularly hosts the LAAD Defense and Security international fair, the biggest weapons fair in Latin America and an entry point for Israeli military industry to all Latin American countries. Israeli companies participate regularly in the arms fair and sign different deals there.[20]Medium[21]Omega research foundation : LAAD Defence and Security Fair
After Bolsonaro’s election in 2018, new trade deals, including defense deals, between Israel and Brazil were discussed and signed, for example the sale of new drones, including drones with facial recognition tools.[22]Haaretz : Israel, Bolsonaro Discuss Sale of Drones With Facial Recognition, Senior Diplomatic Source Says
Bolsonaro’s official visit in 2019 was conducted together with Brazil’s military chief of staff and Brazil’s police chief of staff. Among others they met israeli military and police officials: head of police, head of border police, head of commando police unit and more. Israeli forces also demonstrated new technologies and arms to the Brazil delegation.[23]Israel offers joint training for Brazilian and Israeli commando units
In 2019, 2 Heron-1 purchased from Israel Aerospace Industries by the Brazilian federal police in 2010, were transferred to the Brazilian army. The Heron UAVs were under-utilized until their operations reportedly stopped in 2016. The Brazilian Air Force signed an agreement with IAI for restoration, personnel training and support services, including maintenance services for three years, training of system technicians, payload operators and UAV operators.[24]Key Military, Latin America, 18.07.2019((Israel Defense, IAI Signs New Heron 1 Maintenance Contract with Brazil, 16.01.2019))[25]Key.Aero, Brazil looks to expand UAV use, 30.12.2022
Also in 2019 Brazil signed a $40 million contract with Elbit to supply E-lynX tactical radio systems. These systems are known in Brazil as SIC2CFN, are used by the marine corps and integrated into combat vehicles.[26]Israel Defense, Brazilian Marine Corps Receives Elbit’s Tactical Radio Systems, 01.07.2023[27]Israel Defense, Elbit to supply radios to Brazilian Marines, 14.07.2019 More contracts for Elbit’s radio systems were signed in the following years. AEL Sistemas, the Brazilian subsidiary of Elbit Systems, is the prime contractor of the Brazilian Army’s strategic Link-BR2 program. In January 2022 the Brazilian Air Force completed tests to integrate E-LynX Airborne Software Defined Radio on board two F-5M Tiger II aircraft.[28]The Rio Times, AEL and Brazilian Air Force successfully integrate E-LynX TM system aboard two F-5M Tiger II fighters, 31.01.2022 Elbit’s radio system were orderd for the infantry as well, as part of the RDS DEFENSA project promoted by the Ministry of Defense, Army, and various companies of the Brazilian Defense Industrial Base to provide radio equipment to be used by the infantry, both portable and in backpacks, as well as those to be used from vehicles. First software-defined radio prototypes by AEL Sistemas were received by the Brazilian army in January 2024. [29]Israel Defense, Brazilian Army Set to Equip with Elbit’s Software-Defined Radios, 11.01.2024[30]Zona Militar, The Brazilian Army begins to receive its RDS radios from the company AEL Sistemas, 16.01.2024
In 2021 Brazil ordered 100 units of Spike-LR Anti-Tank guided missiles systems from Rafael under a $19m contract.[31]Army Recognition : Brazil orders Spike LR missiles Also in 2021 a deal for 2 Hermes-900 UAVs was signed.[32]SIPRI
In 2022 The Brazilian Air Force signed a $90 million, five-year lease for 12 Kfir aircraft and purchased Israeli technologies to upgrade them.[33]Flight Global, Brazil leases 12 Kfirs until F-X BR decision is made, 06.08.2022[34]Flight Global, Brazil to upgrade former Israeli Kfir C-10 fighters, 20.08.2022
In March 2022 Brazilian Navy completed the modernization of seven Skyhaw fighter jets. They were equipped with systems by Elta and Elbit.[35]Israel Defense : Brazilian navy completes Skyhawk modernization program
In May 2024, Elbit Systems won a $190 million tender from the Brazilian Ministry of Defense for 36 Atmos howitzers.[36]El-Cohete a la luna, Armas de Israel para el Cono Sur, 09.11.2025[37]Calcalist, Israel’s Elbit strikes $150-200M deal with Brazilian army amid President’s genocide accusations, 01.05.2024 The contract’s initial phase requires Elbit Systems to supply two prototype units within 12 months. Upon successful validation by the Army’s Evaluation and Armored Training Centers, the deal will extend to include the remaining 34 units, scheduled for delivery by 2034.[38]The Rio Times, Lula’s Brazil Acquires Israeli Defense Tech Despite Criticism Over Gaza Conflict, 30.04.2024The deal was later reported as delayed after pressure from Human Rights groups.[39]The Defense Post, Brazil Delays Contract With Elbit Amid Israel’s War Against Hamas, 10.10.2024
Also in 2024, Brazil purchased Hermes-900 UAVs in 50 million Brazilian Real.[40]Shomrim, European Double Standards: One Hand Slaps Sanctions on Israel, the Other Buys Advanced Weapons Systems, 14.02.2025
Several military and civil police forces throughout Brazil are using Israeli Arad assault rifles and precision rifles, by the Israeli IWI, with recently signed contracts extending until the end of 2024.[41]El-Cohete a la luna, Armas de Israel para el Cono Sur, 09.11.2025 The police forces include the civil police of Santa Catarina who purchased 145 rifles valued at approximately $275,000, the military police of Minas Gerais who purchased 1,310 Arad for $3.1 million, the civil police of São Paulo, the military police of Rio de Janeiro and the Santa Catarina police.[42]Israel Defense, IWI Expands Sales of Arad Rifles to Brazilian Law Enforcement, 15.07.2024[43]The Rio Times, Rio de Janeiro’s State Police acquires 600 IWI Arad rifles, 13.10.2022[44]Info Defensa, Polícia Militar do Rio de Janeiro adquire 600 fuzis israelenses IWI Arad, 13.10.2022
Plasan Sasa Ltd. sold hundreds of Plasan Guarder armored vehicles, including riot control units, to the Brazilian Military Police.[45]El-Cohete a la luna, Armas de Israel para el Cono Sur, 09.11.2025
In the beginning of 2026 the Brazilian Air Force concluded tests with the Lizard II laser-guided bomb system from Elbit Systems for use with the Saab F-39E Gripen.[46]Militar Aktuell, Brazil tests weapons from Elbit for the Saab Gripen E, 13.02.2026
Cyber Relations
In 2016 Brazilian and Israel companies (IAI, LeadSpotting) implemented a cyber intelligence gathering solution for the Rio 2016 olympic committee.[47]IAI official website : olympic games 2016
In 2017 the Israeli Cyber Companies Consortium (IC3) established a National Cyber Centre in Brazil. The contract was worth tens of millions of dollars. The Consortim includes companies as: IAI/ELTA, Check Point, Cognyte (Verint), Bynet, ECI, CyberX, ClearSky, BGProtect, CyberArk, CySource and Safebreach.[48]Defesanet ; Israeli cyber companies Consortium to establish national cyber center in Brazil
In 2019 IAI’s ELTA Systems and the Brazilian National Confederatioon of Industries (CNI) signed a collaboration deal on the establishment of a cyber defense academy in Brazil. ELTA is the leader of the Israeli Cyber Companies Consortium (IC3) and the Israeli Aviation Cyber Companies Consortium (IAC3), both of which were established under the auspices of the Israeli Ministry of Economy.[49]Israel Defense : IAC3
In March 2022 Brazilian Armed Forces signed a deal with Israeli Cybersecurity Firm CySource to supervise the Brazilian electoral process.[50]Brasil Wire : BAF sign Deal with Israeli Cybersecurity Firm
Israeli cyber companies that have offices and/or operate in Brazil: Cognyte, Oosto (Anyvision), Cellebrite.
Cellebrite sold UFED devices to Brazilian Federal and national police forces.[51]Rm Coe : EU/COE Joint Project on Regional Cooperation against Cybercrime Reportedly, Cellebrite’s technologies are used in migration routs in Brazil for prevention of illegal migration.[52]Cellebrite and The Exodus Road Continue Combatting Human Trafficking in Brazil In recent years Brazilian agencies signed more than R$100 million worth of contracts with Cellebrites. Among the clients cited are the Federal Police, the Ministry of Justice, state Public Prosecutor’s Offices, the Military Police, and the Civil Police.[53]DCM, Como celulares viraram alvo central de investigações contra crimes bilionários, 31.05.2026[54]UOL, A ferramenta milionária que penetra os celulares dos criminosos bilionários, 31.05.2026
In 2020 the Israeli company Juganu installed upgraded lighting system on the Friendship Bridge that spans the border between the Brazilian city of Foz de Iguaçu and the Paraguayan city of Ciudad del Este. The lighting system developed in partnership with the Israeli company Corsight AI, incorporates sensors and cameras that wirelessly and automatically feed facial recognition and license plate information based on autonomous AI to border officials.[55]EinNews : Juganu’s Smart Lighting System Transforms Main Border Crossing Between Brazil and Paraguay[56]Biometric Update – Olympics
In 2023 it was reported that the Brazilian Federal Police under former president Jair Bolsonaro conducted two illegal spying operations involving the use of “First Mile” software by the Israeli company Cognyte.[57]Estado, Sistema de espionagem usado ilegalmente pela Abin pode mostrar localização de qualquer celular, 20.10.2023 In 2026 Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE) prepared a tender to hire a company specializing in social media monitoring and digital intelligence tactics. Cognyte was listed as a potential supplier.[58]Estado, TSE quer contratar inteligência cibernética e põe na lista empresa de Israel alvo da PF, 12.06.2026
In 2024, the Israeli company Corsight AI announced providing facial recognition technology to the São Paulo Military Police.[59]Business Wire, Corsight AI Partners with Segdboa to Provide São Paulo Military Police with Facial Intelligence Capabilities, 19.06.2024
Usage of Israeli Arms
Drones – Israeli drones are regularly used by Brazil to monitor its borders, especially the northern one with Venezuela, and the western one with Bolivia and Paraguay. AEL International Ltd., a Brazilian subsidiary of Israel Elbit, provides the electro-optical observation and surveillance systems for the SISFRON border security program.[60]Defense Update : Israeli Surveillance Systems for Brazil’s SISFRON
After huge security investments in preparation for the 2014 Football World Cup and the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Israeli drones were also used during those events to monitor crowds and guarantee security.[61]splinternews : The scary history and future of Brazil’s booming drone market
Heron 1 – Brazil has developed “Caçador”, a home-produced UAV, based on the operational experience with IAI’s Heron 1, used in Brazil since 2010. 15 IAI Heron drones are currently operated jointly by the Brazilian Air Force and the Brazilian police.[62]Defense Update : Brazil IAI
Krav Maga – Brazilian police and military have been trained in the Israeli self-defense and fighting system of Krav Maga.[63]Youtube : Brazil Krav Maga
UFED – Cellebrite’s UFED technology is in use by Brazilian Federal Police Computer Forensic Unit.[64]Rm Coe : EU/COE Joint Project on Regional Cooperation against Cybercrime . Is also used by Brazilian national police forces in cooperation with the company “The Exodus Road” on migration routs.[65]Cellebrite and The Exodus Road Continue Combatting Human Trafficking in Brazil
Uzi – Used by SOF (Special Operation Forces).
Tavor – Used by Border Brigade and SOF.
LORIS Night Vision Device – Used by Brazilian Armed Forces
BriefCam – BriefCam’s technology was used at the 2016 Rio Olympics.[66] Cnn : Rio boosts surveillance ahead of Olympics
Human Rights Violations
The list of human rights problems in Brazil is long. Some police officers kill unlawfully, torture detainees, and mistreat children in conflict with the law. Many Brazilian prisons are severely overcrowded, and the lack of adequate state control leaves inmates vulnerable to violence, extortion, and recruitment by gangs. Other human rights problems include violence against women, killings of journalists and bloggers because of their work, and violence against rural activists and indigenous people involved in conflicts over land. Perpetrators of abuses during the military rule of 1964 to 1985 continue to be shielded from justice by an amnesty law passed by the military regime.
Since the election of President Bolsonaro in 2018 things have gotten worse when it comes to human rights: the president has openly shown racism, hate against women, gay and trans people, support for violence, disregard for Indigenous people’s right. His openly anti-human rights rhetoric was put into practice through administrative and legislative measures by federal and state governments.
The year 2019 also saw an increase in the number of killings by police on active duty; severe environmental crises in the Amazon disproportionately affecting Indigenous peoples, Quilombolas and other local traditional communities; attempts to curtail the activities of civil society organizations; and threats against and killings of human rights defenders. The authorities failed to provide an adequate response to a whole range of human rights violations.[67]HRW World Report 2020 [68]Amnesty Report Brazil