Os programas estratégicos da Marinha do Brasil: legado e perspectivas para a construção naval militar e para a base industrial de defesa

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the scenario of the military shipbuilding industry in Brazil over the past fifteen years and the execution of Strategic Programs such as the “Tamandaré” Class Frigates, “Riachuelo” Class Submarines, the Conventionally Armed Nuclear-Powered Submarine “Álvaro Alberto”, the Polar Ship “Almirante Saldanha”, the Patrol Ship “Mangaratiba”, and the future construction of the 500-ton Brazilian Patrol Ships; as well as the legacy and prospects for the Brazilian Navy and the Defense Industrial Base. To facilitate this research, a historical approach to military shipbuilding in the country was undertaken, presenting concepts that relate the National Defense Policy and National Defense Strategy with Defense Economy. The challenges and legacies of the Strategic Programs were demonstrated, and actions were suggested to enhance the future use of the infrastructure inherited from these projects. An analysis of the political and economic aspects of the Defense sector was conducted, focusing on these Strategic Programs of the Navy. It was identified that the resources allocated to the sector have been decreasing each year, even in light of factors that justify the need to increase investment, such as: the rise of tensions and conflicts worldwide, the competition for new resources and energy sources, potential threats to the Blue Amazon, and the increase in Brazil's GDP. As demonstrated, the Brazilian Navy and the Defense Industrial Base currently possess all the tools to execute projects with high technological complexity, and this capability should not be wasted; it is essential to continue military shipbuilding, either through increased investments or future partnerships aimed at the external market.