Masiello in Brazil: talks on drones, intelligence, electronic warfare and cyber domain

BRASILIA – The official visit by the Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, Lieutenant General Carmine Masiello, hosted by his Brazilian counterpart, General of the Army Tomás Miguel Miné Ribeiro Paiva, was marked by strategic cooperation and technology sharing.  The mission, which has included Brasilia (DF), Formosa (GO), and Manaus (AM) since November 9, 2026, strengthened bilateral dialogue between the two Armed Forces, spanning the most advanced conventional capabilities and new operational domains.

Welcome in Brasilia and focus on emerging domains

At Army Headquarters in Brasilia, General Masiello was received with military honors, including a mounted escort by the 1° Reggimento di Cavalleria della Guardia, 19 artillery salutes by the 32° Gruppo di Artiglieria da Campagna, a parade by the Battaglione della Guardia Presidenziale, and the Dragoni dell’Indipendenza.

Discussions between the two Chiefs of Staff focused on the growing impact of emerging technologies on contemporary military operations. In particular, the assessment covered the use of drones, intelligence, electronic warfare, and the cyber domain, topics examined firsthand through visits to the Centro di Intelligence dell’Esercito (CIE) and the Comando di Difesa Cibernetica.

Strategic artillery and jungle warfare: stops in Formosa and Manaus

The Italian delegation’s program continued at leading Brazilian Army training and operational hubs:

• Forte Santa Bárbara (Formosa – GO): Home to the Comando di Artiglieria dell’Esercito, where the employment capabilities of the Artiglieria Missili e Razzi were presented, an asset dedicated to long-range, high-precision strategic fire support.

• Comando Militare dell’Amazzonia (Manaus – AM): A stop devoted to the prestigious Centro di Addestramento per la Guerra nella Giungla (CIGS). Founded in 1964, the institute has qualified more than 7,000 "jungle warriors" and hosts the International Jungle Operations Course, intended for service members from allied and friendly nations such as Italy. General Masiello expressed deep appreciation for the professionalism of the Brazilian units tasked with operating in such a complex and demanding operational environment.

From the FEB’s historic bond to Centauro II industrial synergy

Cooperation between Italy and Brazil is rooted in the brotherhood in arms forged during the Second World War, when soldiers of the Forza di Spedizione Brasiliana (FEB) fought alongside the Allies for the liberation of Italy, distinguishing themselves in emblematic battles such as Monte Castello, Montese, and Castelnuovo.

Today, that bond translates into strong doctrinal, training, and industrial cooperation. A concrete example is the modernization program for the armored component of the Exército Brasileiro, centered on the Blindo Centauro II 8x8 (Viatura Blindada de Combate de Cavalaria Média Sobre Rodas), a next-generation platform developed by the Italian defense industry. In 2026, Brazil signed the final acquisition contract for a batch of vehicles, while simultaneously beginning crew training.

The Brazilian Army Medal

To seal the mission and as a testament to the shared strategic vision on security and defense, General Carmine Masiello was awarded the Medalha do Exército Brasileiro (MEB), an honor bestowed on individuals who have distinguished themselves through significant service to the institution.