Event gathered authorities, honored IMBEL, and marked the launch of a commemorative book
The Brazilian Association of Defense and Security Material Industries (ABIMDE) celebrated its 40th anniversary on August 13, 2025. Founded on August 9, 1985, the organization held a solemn ceremony at Porto Real Beira Lago, in Brasília. The event brought together civilian and military authorities, representatives of allied nations, business leaders, and guests for an evening of tributes, speeches, and the launch of a commemorative book.
The ceremony opened with remarks from the master of ceremonies, ABIMDE’s Director of Projects, Colonel Antonio Ribeiro, who highlighted the association’s trajectory in promoting the Defense and Security Industrial Base (BIDS). He thanked the attendees before the Brazilian National Anthem was played.
In his speech, ABIMDE’s Chairman of the Board, Luiz Carlos Paiva Teixeira, stated “celebrating 40 years is more than reflecting on the past. It is about recognizing a journey built with courage, purpose, and the conviction that national sovereignty demands a strong, innovative, and committed Defense Industrial Base.”
He recalled that the Association was born from the initiative of entrepreneurs who, even back then, recognized the need to strengthen the national industry, overcoming challenges over the decades. Teixeira also emphasized the importance of unity among companies, particularly those located outside major urban centers, and reaffirmed “the future we envision is not built solely with technology or budgets. It is forged with values: ethics, commitment, transparency, and patriotism.”
One of the evening’s most symbolic moments was the tribute to the Brazilian War Material Industry (IMBEL), ABIMDE’s first member. Representing all associated companies that have contributed to the development of the BIDS, IMBEL received the first copy of the association’s 40th anniversary commemorative coin from Luiz Teixeira.
The company’s CEO, Division General (R1) Ricardo Rodrigues Canhaci, expressed his gratitude for the honor and highlighted the historic partnership with ABIMDE. In his speech, he greeted the attendees, acknowledged the Association’s importance, and emphasized that the Brazilian defense industry “transcends the military sphere – it is a driver of development, fueling technological innovation and creating high-quality jobs”. He also pointed out the sector’s challenges, such as the need for continuous investment and intense international competition, stating: “the strength of our defense industry is the strength of our nation.”
Next, the Secretary of Defense Products, Air Lieutenant Brigadier Heraldo, emphasized that ABIMDE has helped consolidate an essential sector for national sovereignty and fostered competitiveness in the Brazilian industry over the past four decades. He highlighted the close, collaborative relationship between the Ministry of Defense and ABIMDE, recognizing the association as “a fundamental partner in building a future with technological autonomy and prosperity for the country”.
The ceremony continued with the official launch of ABIMDE’s 40th-anniversary commemorative book, accompanied by the screening of a video summarizing the publication.
ABIMDE – 40 Years
Founded by a group of visionary entrepreneurs led by Domingos Adherbal Olivieri, ABIMDE was created with the mission of integrating and strengthening the emerging Defense and Security Industrial Base in Brazil.
Over four decades, its history has been marked by strong representation, institutional engagement, and the promotion of national technological autonomy. Highlights include participation in the 1988 Constitutional Assembly debates, its international debut at Eurosatory in 1992, contribution to the creation of the Ministry of Defense in 1999, the formulation of the National Defense Industry Policy in 2005, and the achievement of strategic incentives through Law 12.598/2012.
In recent years, initiatives like the LAB BID and the ABIMDE Conecta platform have consolidated its role as a vital link between industry, government, and academia. In 2024, the organization launched Visão 2035, a future-oriented pact based on five commitments:
- Promote open innovation in areas such as aeronautics, cybersecurity, and unmanned systems;
- Implement robust ESG practices with the Defense CO₂ Index;
- Increase the participation of women, black people, and people with disabilities in technical careers to 35%;
- Integrate certifications, traceability, and data management through the Defense 4.0 Hub;
- Expand international presence in partner countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
BID Brasil Exhibition
Since its first edition in 2011, the exhibition has become the premier event for Brazil’s Defense and Security Industrial Base (BIDS). Organized by ABIMDE with support from the Ministry of Defense and ApexBrasil, the fair brings together authorities, international delegations, military attachés, and government representatives to showcase the latest technological innovations in products and systems for the Armed and Security Forces.
Held in Brasília, the exhibition leverages the Federal Capital’s strategic location, home to the commands of the three branches of the military, 131 embassies, and government ministries. The goal is to create a business-friendly environment, strengthen partnerships, and elevate Brazil’s defense industry on the global stage.
Over the past 40 years, ABIMDE has remained an active voice for Brazil’s defense and security industry. Today, it represents more than 240 member companies of various sizes and sectors, distributed across all regions of the country. These companies develop cutting-edge technology and generate qualified employment, forming an increasingly connected and strategic ecosystem for Brazil.
