Latin America Defense Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2020 - 2025)

The Latin American defense market is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 1.5% during the forecast period.

• Despite the slow-growing economy of the region, the countries in the Latin America region are planning the modernization of military equipment to strengthen their military forces.
• The longstanding border disputes, illegal weapons, and drug traffic across the borders are some of the major reasons for the countries to increase their defense spending on border security.
• The countries in Latin America majorly procures from domestic defense firms to supply missile systems, firearms, ammunition, and other defense equipment to their armed forces. However, the region is also a major importer of aircraft, helicopters, armored vehicles, vessels, submarines, and other parts and components from countries, like the United States, Germany, and France, among others.

Key Market Trends

The Vehicles Segment to Experience the Highest Growth During the Forecast Period

The vehicles segment of the market studied is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is mainly due to the current plans of the countries in Latin America to modernize their armed forces and upgrade their air, land, and sea capabilities. Chile, Colombia, and Brazil are some of the countries that are currently planning to upgrade their naval strengths. The Brazilian navy plans to procure 21 escort ships, five 13,000 metric ton replenishment ships, four 20,000 metric ton amphibious assault vessels, and 40,000 metric ton aircraft carriers in the coming years. Similarly, the Colombian navy plans to expand its current fleet of frigates to six by 2025 and add further two frigates by 2030. Additionally, the land forces of Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru, among others, are also making plans to replace the aging fleet of armored vehicles. The US State Department approved the sale of 178 reconditioned Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicles to the Government of Peru in December 2016. The Brazilian army and Iveco Latin America signed a USD 3.68 billion contract in 2009 for the provision of armored personnel carriers of the VBTP-MR model to replace the aging Urutu CASCAVEL fleet. The deliveries began in 2012, and they are expected to happen through 2030. Such land, sea, and aircraft procurements may propel the growth of this segment during the forecast period.

Brazil Held the Highest Market Share in 2019

Currently, Brazil has the highest market share in the Latin American defense market. Brazil is the largest defense spender in Latin America, and it accounted for more than 40% of Latin America’s total military spending over the past few years. In 2019, Brazil's defense expenditure was USD 26.9 billion, which was the highest in the Latin American region. The country announced USD 300 billion investment for a 20-year equipment plan in 2012. The three main countries from which Brazil majorly imports arms and weapon systems are France, the United States, and the United Kingdom, with majority imports being aircraft, armored vehicles, ships, missiles, and sensors. The country is currently progressing with the procurement of KC-390 aircraft (deliveries began in September 2019) and F-39 (Gripen F), which are being developed by Saab (Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) was expected by end of 2019 and deliveries are expected to begin by 2021). The country also ordered four Tamandaré-class frigates that are scheduled to be delivered during 2025-2028, by the Águas Azuis consortium (Embraer Defense and Security, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Oceana Shipyard, and Atech). With such ongoing plans of procurement, the country’s defense spending is expected to see significant growth during the forecast period, in spite of the current economic crisis.

Competitive Landscape

The prominent players in the Latin American defense market are Embraer SA, IVECO SpA, Avibras Indústria Aeroespacial, Saab AB, and The Boeing Company. There are many local players in the market, and most of these state companies in the region provide their products and solutions exclusively to their domestic armed and security forces. Some of the government-owned and military-geared companies are Compañía Anonima Venezolana de Industrias Militares (CAVIM) in Venezuela, Fábrica de Armas y Municiones del Ejército (FAME) in Peru, Fábricas y Maestranzas del Ejército (FAMAE) in Chile, and INDUMIL in Colombia. However, the international players also have a significant share in the Latin American defense market, as the countries import defense equipment from the United States, Germany, and France, among others. Also, companies are developing new products to increase their market shares. For instance, in November 2019, Embraer unveiled its multi-mission medium airlift named C-390 Millennium, which can perform a variety of missions, such as cargo and troop transport, cargo and paratrooper airdrop, and search and rescue. The increasing military spending and changing political situations are expected to open up new market opportunities for international players during the forecast period. The local players are also collaborating with the international players to develop new and advanced naval vessels and aircraft.

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