Brazil Advances Technological Sovereignty with New Defense Tech Units and Strategic India Partnership

Brazil is intensifying its efforts to strengthen technological sovereignty in 2026 through key initiatives in military science technology and international collaboration. The Brazilian Army has established two new units focused on science and technology in São Paulo, aiming to boost innovation and reduce dependency on foreign technologies. The Núcleo do Parque Tecnológico de Defesa e Segurança, located in Campinas, will integrate government, industry, and academia following the “Tríplice Hélice” model to foster advances in defense and security technologies. In parallel, the Instituto de Pesquisas do Exército em São Paulo (IPESP) will enhance research capabilities from offices at the University of São Paulo (USP), focusing on applied technological solutions. These initiatives were formalized through decrees published between December 2025 and January 2026 and originated from strategic partnerships involving the military and local government entities.

Concurrently, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Luciana Santos emphasized Brazil's determination to overcome its technological dependency during a visit to India. She announced the development of a BRICS fiber optic cable to enhance member countries' digital infrastructure and highlighted Brazil's Artificial Intelligence Plan (Pbia) for 2024–2028, which includes a significant public investment of R$ 23 billion (approximately US$4.5 billion). Santos criticized global geopolitical pressures, particularly from the United States, and underscored Brazil’s intention to move beyond exporting raw critical minerals by adding value domestically, aligning with India's industrial transformation patterns.

Several memorandums of understanding and bilateral agreements were formalized between Brazil and India, covering cooperation in rare earth elements, digital transformation, semiconductor industry development, and other sectors. These efforts demonstrate Brazil's holistic approach to technological sovereignty, combining domestic scientific infrastructure with international partnerships to foster innovation in strategic areas.