In view of the growing deterioration of bilateral relations between Brazil and the United States, the Brazilian Armed Forces have expressed their concern over the possibility of being excluded from the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. A decision of this kind could directly affect ongoing strategic projects, including key acquisitions for the Brazilian Army, such as UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank missiles, both considered fundamental for the modernization of its capabilities.
The FMS program (Foreign Military Sales), created by the U.S. government, constitutes a foreign policy tool aimed at strengthening the defense industry, improving interoperability with allies, and contributing to global stability. Through this mechanism, the United States facilitates the transfer of new or used equipment at more competitive prices than those of the international market, in addition to providing access to state-of-the-art systems. Brazil, as a historic partner, has used this scheme to incorporate transport aircraft, communications systems, intelligence, advanced weaponry, and naval capabilities.
Nevertheless, one of the criteria that contemplates suspension of participation in the FMS is a change in the status of diplomatic relations between the countries involved. In this framework, the current diplomatic crisis between the administrations of Lula da Silva and Donald Trump could significantly affect the continuity of Brazil in the program. Military officials warn that a possible exclusion would have critical consequences, even compromising the ability to keep in service equipment that depends on U.S.-origin components.
Recent precedents reflect the relevance of this mechanism for Brazil. In 2022, the Department of State authorized the possible sale of up to 222 FGM-148 Javelin missiles, along with 33 firing units and comprehensive logistical support, for an estimated amount of 74 million dollars. The operation, carried out through the signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA), represented a qualitative leap in anti-tank defense. Added to this was the authorization by the United States for the sale of 12 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters for 950 million dollars, intended to reinforce the tactical mobility of the Brazilian Army.
At the same time, the cooling of bilateral ties has already materialized in the cancellation of the participation of the United States Marine Corps in Operation Formosa, one of Brazil’s most relevant military exercises. The American absence, unprecedented since 1988, was combined with the non-participation of China, creating an unusual diplomatic scenario and reinforcing the perception of isolation in the international military arena.
The Brazilian Armed Forces fear that, if this escalation continues, the impact will go beyond the cancellation of joint exercises and potentially lead to embargoes on essential components. Such a situation would directly compromise the operability of the national arms industry, which in many cases depends on U.S. technology for the production and maintenance of critical systems.
In conclusion, the possibility that Brazil may be removed from the FMS program generates deep concern. It would not only put at risk key acquisitions such as the Black Hawk helicopters and Javelin missiles, but also affect the sustainability of national defense in the short and medium term, given the large number of U.S.-origin systems that make up the inventories of the Brazilian Armed Forces.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
*Original text in Spanish written by Mariano Germán Videla Solá
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