MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazil transfers military equipment to Uruguay and Paraguay to bolster regional security

The laws are intended to strengthen diplomatic ties and military cooperation, enhancing emergency response and efforts against transnational crime.

Brazil has enacted two laws formalizing the transfer of military aircraft and equipment to Uruguay and Paraguay, as part of an initiative to upgrade operational capabilities of neighboring countries and enhance regional security, Agência Brasil reported.

The measure calls for two Bell 412 Classic helicopters from Brazil’s Federal Police and six M108 self-propelled howitzers from the Army to be transferred to Paraguay, along with an aluminum floating bridge for river crossings. Uruguay will receive two Bell Jet Ranger III (IH-6B) helicopters from the Brazilian Navy. The Brazilian government said the equipment will be delivered in its “current condition”, and Brazil will cover transportation costs to the countries’ borders.

Signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Defense Minister José Múcio Monteiro Filho, the laws are intended to strengthen diplomatic ties and military cooperation, enhancing emergency response and efforts against transnational crime.

In Uruguay, the armed forces are structured to support national defense within a democratic framework, focusing on territorial security, civil assistance and international peacekeeping, though they operate with modest resources compared with larger regional militaries. 

Paraguay has also been pursuing defense modernization. According to Reuters, it has been in talks with Brazil to acquire Embraer A-29 Super Tucano combat aircraft as part of a broader defense investment to confront drug trafficking and organized crime. 

The transfers reflect growing efforts among Southern Cone nations to enhance regional security cooperation in the face of shared challenges, including cross-border criminal networks and emergency response requirements.