Defense Minister José Múcio stated that Brazil is closely following recent attacks by Israel on Iran and defended the expansion of military investments in Brazil.
He argued that strengthening social security is essential for national security and cannot be left in the background in the face of other social demands.
The statement was given to the press this Monday (2) after the first ceremony to incorporate women into the initial female military service.
The minister argued that the current global scenario, in which the whole world has armed itself, requires Brazil to strengthen its deterrence capacity to protect its territory and its wealth.
Múcio stated that the country needs to prepare for a more adverse international context, but said that diplomacy remains the main instrument of external action, with peace as the ultimate objective.
“We prepare for difficult times, but we are always rooting for peace,” he said.
Múcio said that Brazil currently allocates only 1% of its GDP to the area and classified this value as very little. He argued that the country should reach a minimum level of 2% and highlighted that other countries invest between 5% and 7% of their respective GDP in the sector.
The minister reported having taken this concern directly to the president (), arguing that, although health, education and housing are undisputed priorities, defense is equally fundamental to the sovereignty of the State.
According to him, the president agreed with the need and has already authorized the gradual release of resources for strategic projects of the Armed Forces.
This Monday (2) the first ceremony to incorporate women into women’s initial military service took place. In total, 1,467 will be distributed across 51 municipalities in 13 states and , 157 in the Navy, 1,010 in the Army and 300 in the Air Force.
Women’s initial military service allows, on a voluntary basis, women, upon reaching the age of 18, to enter military service with the same rights and duties attributed to men.
