Overview

• He told senators he came for help, arguing the current budget hampers maintenance and operational readiness of the Armed Forces.
• He pressed to lift defense outlays from about 1.1% of GDP toward 2% and floated a 1.5% interim target with gradual increases and predictable funding.
• He cited 2024 spending of roughly R$125 billion and a 2025 projection near R$135 billion, noting about R$97 billion went to personnel, R$20 billion to other costs, and just over R$9 billion to investment.
• The hearing, requested by Senator Hamilton Mourão after a postponement, fulfills Senate oversight as lawmakers weigh a 2% GDP constitutional floor and PEC 55’s rule directing 35% of discretionary spending to strategic projects.
• He underscored the defense industry’s 270 companies, 3 million workers, and 3.6% share of GDP with exports above R$2.5 billion in 2025, while some government allies supported more funds only from additional sources to protect health and education budgets.