ABIMDE Marks Four Decades of Excellence with a Grand Celebration in Brasília
Gathering showcased officials, celebrated IMBEL, and inaugurated a special commemorative volume
The Brazilian Association of Defense and Security Material Industries (ABIMDE) commemorated its 40th anniversary on August 13, 2025. Established on August 9, 1985, the organization hosted a formal event at Porto Real Beira Lago, in Brasília. This occasion united civilian and military dignitaries, representatives from allied nations, industry leaders, and guests for an evening filled with honors, addresses, and the introduction of a memorial book.
The ceremony began with opening remarks from the master of ceremonies, ABIMDE’s Director of Projects, Colonel Antonio Ribeiro, who underscored the association’s history in advancing the Defense and Security Industrial Base (BIDS). He expressed appreciation to the guests before the Brazilian National Anthem resonated.
During his address, ABIMDE’s Chairman of the Board, Luiz Carlos Paiva Teixeira, remarked
“marking 40 years is not merely about looking back. It encompasses acknowledging a journey crafted with bravery, intent, and the belief that national sovereignty necessitates a robust, innovative, and dedicated Defense Industrial Base.”
He reminisced that the Association emerged from the vision of entrepreneurs who, at that time, saw the necessity to bolster the national industry, surmounting hurdles throughout the years. Teixeira further stressed the value of cohesion among enterprises, especially those outside major urban locales, reaffirming
“the future we aspire to is not solely constructed through technology or financial allocations. It is cultivated with principles: ethics, dedication, transparency, and patriotism.”
One of the evening’s most poignant moments was the homage to the Brazilian War Material Industry (IMBEL), ABIMDE’s inaugural member. Representing all affiliated companies that have aided the development of the BIDS, IMBEL received the first edition of the association’s 40th-anniversary commemorative coin from Luiz Teixeira.
The CEO of the company, Division General (R1) Ricardo Rodrigues Canhaci, conveyed his appreciation for the accolade and highlighted the longstanding relationship with ABIMDE. In his address, he welcomed the attendees, acknowledged the significance of the Association, and stressed that the Brazilian defense industry “extends beyond the military domain—it serves as a catalyst for advancement, propelling technological innovation and generating quality employment.”
He also noted the sector’s challenges, such as the continual need for investment and fierce international rivalry, asserting: “the strength of our defense industry mirrors the strength of our nation.”
Subsequently, the Secretary of Defense Products, Air Lieutenant Brigadier Heraldo, pointed out that ABIMDE has played a pivotal role in solidifying a crucial sector for national sovereignty and enhancing competitiveness within the Brazilian industry over the preceding four decades. He underscored the close-knit, collaborative bond between the Ministry of Defense and ABIMDE, acknowledging the association as “an essential ally in pursuing a future defined by technological independence and prosperity for the nation.”
The ceremony proceeded with the official introduction of ABIMDE’s commemorative book for its 40th anniversary, complemented by a video presentation summarizing its contents.
ABIMDE – 40 Years
Founded by a coalition of forward-thinking entrepreneurs led by Domingos Adherbal Olivieri, ABIMDE was established with the aim of integrating and fortifying the burgeoning Defense and Security Industrial Base in Brazil.
Over the span of four decades, its narrative has been characterized by substantial representation, institutional participation, and the promotion of national technological independence. Key milestones include involvement in the 1988 Constitutional Assembly discussions, its global debut at Eurosatory in 1992, its role in the establishment of the Ministry of Defense in 1999, the development of the National Defense Industry Policy in 2005, and securing strategic incentives through Law 12.598/2012.
In recent years, initiatives such as the LAB BID and the ABIMDE Conecta platform have affirmed its status as a crucial connector between industry, government, and academia. In 2024, the organization initiated Visão 2035, a forward-thinking pact anchored on five commitments:
- Encourage open innovation in fields like aeronautics, cybersecurity, and unmanned systems;
- Establish solid ESG practices with the Defense CO₂ Index;
- Boost the inclusion of women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities in technical roles to 35%;
- Unify certifications, traceability, and data management via the Defense 4.0 Hub;
- Enhance international reach in partner nations in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
BID Brasil Exhibition
Since its inaugural edition in 2011, the exhibition has evolved into the premier gathering for Brazil’s Defense and Security Industrial Base (BIDS). Orchestrated by ABIMDE with the support of the Ministry of Defense and ApexBrasil, the fair assembles officials, international delegations, military attachés, and government representatives to display the latest technological advancements in products and systems for the Armed and Security Forces.
Hosted in Brasília, the exhibition utilizes the strategic location of the Federal Capital, home to the commands of the three military branches, 131 embassies, and government ministries. The objective is to cultivate a business-friendly atmosphere, enhance collaborations, and elevate Brazil’s defense sector on the international landscape.
Throughout the past 40 years, ABIMDE has consistently been a strong advocate for Brazil’s defense and security industry. Today, it represents over 240 member companies of diverse sizes and sectors, spread across all regions of the country. These enterprises develop state-of-the-art technology and create high-quality employment opportunities, contributing to an increasingly interconnected and strategic ecosystem for Brazil.
