In a significant step toward bolstering bilateral defence ties, Pakistan and Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation Related to the Development, Production, and Trade of Defence Products on the sidelines of the Latin American Defence and Security Exhibition (LAAD-2025) held in Rio de Janeiro.
The MoU was signed during a high-level meeting between Lt Gen Muhammad Chiragh Haider, Secretary of Defence Production of Pakistan, and Minister José Mucio Monteiro, Minister of Defence of Brazil. The ceremony was witnessed by senior officials from both sides, including Mr. Murad Ashraf Janjua, Ambassador of Pakistan to Brazil, and Ten Brig Ar Heraldo Luiz Rodrigues, Secretary of Defence Products of Brazil. Also present were Alte Esq Arthur Fernando Bettega Corrêa, Chief of Strategic Affairs; Ambassador Flávio Marega, International Advisor of CAE; and Mr. Marcelo Pimentel, Chief of Staff of the Minister of Defence.
During the meeting, both sides engaged in comprehensive discussions covering defence production, technological collaboration, and potential joint ventures. The Brazilian Minister warmly received the Pakistani delegation and praised Pakistan’s active involvement in LAAD-2025, particularly highlighting the Pakistan Pavilion, which featured advanced capabilities of key Pakistani defence organizations such as Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), Global Industrial Defence Solutions (GIDS), National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), and the Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO).
The Brazilian Defence Minister also expressed strong appreciation for the efforts of the Pakistan Embassy in Brazil, especially commending the current Defence Attaché for his pivotal role in elevating defence cooperation between the two countries.
Defense Attaché of Pakistan in Brazil, Brigadier General Tariq Naeem Athar.
The Secretary of Defence Production of Pakistan highlighted the country’s strengths in indigenous and cost-effective defence manufacturing, shaped by extensive experience in conventional and hybrid warfare. He offered Pakistan’s services in refurbishing M-113 Armored Personnel Carriers for the Brazilian Army, proposing competitive alternatives to traditional suppliers.
A key highlight of the discussions was Pakistan’s offer to provide the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The multirole, cost-effective platform was presented as a strong candidate for FAB’s modernization needs, with a detailed capabilities dossier already shared with the Brazilian side.
The two sides also assessed the progress made toward launching a bilateral 2+2 Dialogue between their respective Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs. Pakistan emphasized the importance of holding the inaugural meeting at the earliest opportunity to strengthen institutional ties and enhance cooperation in military technology, space applications, and industrial development. The Brazilian Defence Minister supported the proposal to establish a Defence Wing at the Brazilian Embassy in Islamabad and assured that he would soon consult Brazil’s Ministry of External Affairs on the matter.
The Brazilian Minister briefed the delegation on the challenges and priorities of Brazil’s defence sector, including modernization efforts and strategies to counter transnational crimes and protect the Amazon region.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of mutual commitment to expanding defence collaboration.
Rio de Janeiro, April 2025
