Italian and Brazilian Armies: an Alliance of Strength and Innovation
The year 2025 marks a moment of great importance in relations between the Italian and Brazilian armies. A significant meeting took place between Lieutenant General Carmine Masiello, Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, and the Commander of the Brazilian Army, Lieutenant General Tomás Miguel Miné Ribeiro Paiva, on an official visit to Italy. This meeting marked a moment of dialogue between two armed forces that, despite belonging to distant countries, share common values and objectives in guaranteeing peace and global security. The analysis of this meeting and of the prospects for collaboration focuses on three main areas: the modernisation of the armed forces, interoperability between the two nations, and historical collaboration in peacekeeping missions.
Modernisation of the Armed Forces: A Look into the Future
One of the most significant aspects that emerged during the meeting between the two Commanders was the focus on the modernisation of the armed forces, with particular attention on the adoption of new technologies and strategies to face modern challenges. The Italian Army presented General Miné Ribeiro Paiva with a briefing on current operations, highlighting how the continuous evolution of technology requires constant modernisation of military equipment. The cooperation between Italy and Brazil, therefore, is not limited to exchanges of information and resources, but also embraces a strategic development concept that aims to ensure that both armies are ready to face the challenges of the future.
In this context, a further example of modernisation of the Brazilian armed forces is the collaboration between the Brazilian Army and IDV (Industria de Defesa Veículos), a major Iveco Group company. IDV participated in the LAAD 2025 exhibition, the largest defence and security event in Latin America, held in Rio de Janeiro from 1 to 4 April. The company presented its portfolio of armoured vehicles, including the Guarani 6×6 and the Centauro II VBC Cav-MSR 8×8, advanced vehicles chosen by the Brazilian army to enhance its land defence capability. The supply of these armoured vehicles is just one part of Brazil's strategic plan to modernise its armed force, and confirms IDV's commitment to strengthen national defence with innovative solutions.
Interoperability and Co-operation: A Link Founded on History
Cooperation between the Italian and Brazilian armed forces is certainly nothing new. The ties between the two armies are based on a long tradition of alliance, rooted in the sacrifice and contribution of Brazilian soldiers during World War II. Joint peacekeeping operations have strengthened the bond between the two nations, and operations under the auspices of the United Nations have witnessed a common commitment to international stability.
General Masiello recalled how Italy and Brazil share the same ideals of peace and security, and how both countries are committed to maintaining international order and supporting the defence of human rights. The dialogue between the two armies focused on building greater interoperability, which is essential for success in international missions, where collaboration between the armed forces of different nations is crucial.
A striking example of this cooperation is the peace missions. Brazil has contributed significantly to UN missions since the 1950s, with particular emphasis on missions in Angola, East Timor and Haiti. The participation of the Brazilian armed forces has had a profound impact in the stabilisation of these countries, helping to build a safer and more peaceful world. Brazil's strong commitment in these operations has been recognised globally, and the meeting with the Italian Army offered an opportunity to share experiences, which can further enrich future missions.
International Missions: A Shared Success Story
Over the years, the Brazilian Army has actively participated in numerous international missions, demonstrating not only its preparedness in the field, but also its commitment to promoting peace. The most recent operation was in Haiti, where the Brazilian Army provided assistance after the devastating earthquake in 2010. The deployment of more than 2,000 soldiers for reconstruction and maintaining order represented a crucial moment in the history of international cooperation.
In the context of this engagement, General Miné Ribeiro Paiva's visit to the Italian Army also represented a reflection on past and future peacekeeping missions. The cooperation between the two armies saw an exchange of experiences on crisis management, the use of resources for humanitarian interventions and the protection of civilians in conflict scenarios. Global security requires armed forces to work together, sharing information, resources and strategies, to address common threats such as terrorism, natural disasters and international crime.
A tangible testimony to the cooperation between Brazil and Italy in strengthening land defence capabilities is the ongoing commitment of companies like IDV, which since 2010 has supplied the Brazilian government with numerous armoured vehicles, including the Guarani, a 6×6 amphibious vehicle that has become a flagship of the Brazilian Army. The partnership with the Brazilian Army has also led to the supply of 420 units of the LMV-BR vehicle, with a contract signed in July 2024 for delivery over a 10-year period.
Conclusions
In summary, the confrontation between the Italian Army and the Brazilian Army is not only an opportunity to strengthen existing cooperation ties, but also a fundamental step towards building a more modern and interoperable defence force. The sharing of experience, knowledge and technology between the two armies contributes not only to the growth of each army, but also to global security and peace. In an increasingly interconnected world, international collaboration is key to meeting the challenges facing armed forces around the world, with companies like IDV playing a crucial role in modernising Brazil's defence capabilities.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
