LAAD Defence & Security 2027
LAAD Defence & Security is a prominent international defense and security exhibition held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This event serves as a crucial platform for showcasing innovations in defense technology, public security, and corporate security. It brings together manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers with government authorities, armed forces, police forces, and other security professionals from Brazil and beyond. The exhibition fosters networking, business opportunities, and the exchange of knowledge on critical security challenges and solutions.
Committees & topics
Why it matters
The LAAD Defence & Security exhibition is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the evolving landscape of defense and security needs, particularly in the Latin American region. As global security threats become more complex, events like LAAD provide a forum for discussing and developing advanced solutions, from cyber defense to border control. Secondly, it facilitates direct engagement between industry leaders and decision-makers, which is vital for the procurement and implementation of new technologies that enhance national and regional security capabilities. The presence of international participants underscores the global interconnectedness of security challenges and the need for collaborative approaches.
Furthermore, the event's location in BRA, a key player in South American geopolitics, positions it as a strategic hub for defense and security discussions in the region. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to observe trends in military modernization, public safety strategies, and the integration of new technologies for both conventional and asymmetric defense scenarios. Understanding the dynamics at play here can provide valuable insights into the future direction of defense and security policies across the continent.
How to prepare
To effectively engage with the LAAD Defence & Security event, delegates should undertake thorough preparation. Begin by conducting a comprehensive stakeholder mapping exercise, as outlined in the "What Is Stakeholder Mapping?" and "Stakeholder Mapping Workshop" lessons. Identify key government officials, military leaders, and industry representatives who will be present. Research their current priorities, recent policy statements, and any public procurement plans.
Delegates should also familiarize themselves with the security challenges and defense policies prevalent in Latin America, particularly those of the host nation, BRA. This includes understanding the specific threats and strategic interests that drive defense spending and technological adoption in the region. Applying the principles of "Dynamic Analysis" will help in anticipating discussions and potential collaborations. Consider the "Hidden Stakeholders" who might influence decisions behind the scenes. Finally, develop clear "Engagement Strategies" to maximize interactions, whether through formal meetings or informal networking, ensuring that any participation is strategic and impactful.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 9 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
BrazilHost nation and significant regional defense consumer, seeking to modernize its armed forces and enhance public security capabilities.
Role in topic
BRA hosts LAAD Defence & Security, positioning itself as a central hub for defense and security discussions and procurement in South America. The country is a major consumer of defense and security technologies, driven by its vast territory, diverse security challenges, and ambitions for regional leadership. Its participation involves showcasing its own defense industry capabilities while also seeking advanced solutions from international partners for its armed forces and public security agencies.
United StatesLeading global defense exporter, seeking to strengthen strategic partnerships and expand market access for its defense technologies.
Role in topic
The USA is a major participant, representing a significant portion of the global defense industry. Its role is to showcase cutting-edge military and security technologies, foster strategic alliances, and explore new market opportunities in Latin America. US companies aim to provide solutions for BRA's modernization efforts and regional security needs, reinforcing bilateral defense cooperation.
FranceKey European defense exporter, aiming to promote its advanced defense systems and establish long-term industrial partnerships.
Role in topic
FRA actively participates to present its advanced defense and security solutions, particularly in aerospace, naval, and land systems. French companies seek to engage with BRA and other Latin American nations to secure contracts, transfer technology, and build lasting industrial collaborations, leveraging its reputation for high-quality defense manufacturing.
RussiaSignificant global arms supplier, looking to maintain and expand its presence in the Latin American defense market.
Role in topic
RUS participates to showcase its range of military equipment, including aircraft, air defense systems, and armored vehicles. It aims to strengthen existing defense ties and forge new ones, offering competitive alternatives to Western suppliers and seeking to expand its influence in the region's defense sector.
ChinaEmerging global defense exporter, seeking to increase its market share and establish itself as a reliable defense partner.
Role in topic
CHN uses LAAD to present its growing defense industrial capabilities, offering a wide array of military and security products. Its participation is aimed at expanding its footprint in the Latin American defense market, providing cost-effective solutions, and establishing itself as a significant alternative supplier to traditional defense exporters.
IsraelSpecialized defense technology provider, focusing on intelligence, surveillance, and cyber security solutions.
Role in topic
ISR brings its expertise in advanced defense electronics, intelligence systems, and homeland security technologies. Israeli companies seek to partner with BRA and other regional actors to provide specialized solutions for border security, counter-terrorism, and cyber defense, leveraging its reputation for innovation in these areas.
GermanyAdvanced European defense manufacturer, focusing on high-quality engineering and specialized military equipment.
Role in topic
DEU participates to showcase its precision-engineered defense systems, including naval vessels, armored vehicles, and specialized components. German companies aim to secure contracts and collaborations, emphasizing reliability and technological superiority in the Latin American market.
UkraineDefense industry participant, seeking to maintain its defense export capabilities and explore new partnerships.
Role in topic
UKR's participation focuses on presenting its defense industry's capabilities, particularly in areas like aerospace, armored vehicles, and repair services. It seeks to explore export opportunities and establish collaborations with Latin American countries for defense procurement and maintenance.
South KoreaGrowing Asian defense exporter, offering competitive and technologically advanced military platforms.
Role in topic
KOR uses LAAD to promote its modern defense platforms, including naval vessels, aircraft, and land systems. South Korean companies aim to expand their market presence in Latin America by offering technologically advanced and cost-effective solutions, seeking to establish new partnerships and secure export deals.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
The Future of National Defense: Modernization and Strategic Competition
Key players
- United States
Largest global defense spender and dominant supplier in the Western Hemisphere
- Brazil
Regional defense-industrial leader with Embraer and submarine, fighter, and armored programs
- France
Key supplier to Brazil (Scorpène submarines, helicopters) and broader Latin America
- Russia
Historic arms exporter under sanctions, losing market share but still relevant
- China
Rising defense exporter offering financing and technology transfer to emerging markets
- Israel
Major supplier of UAVs, electronic warfare, and missile systems to Latin American forces
Hemispheric Security: Transnational Crime, Borders, and Hybrid Threats
Key players
- United States
Lead partner via SOUTHCOM, DEA, and CBP on counter-narcotics and migration
MexicoFrontline state against cartels and transit hub for migration and fentanyl precursors
ColombiaCentral node in counter-narcotics with deep U.S. and European security ties
- Brazil
Regional power confronting Amazon crime, cyber threats, and border porousness
EcuadorRecent epicenter of cartel violence and test case for militarized internal security
VenezuelaSource of regional instability, migration, and contested transnational criminal flows
Military Logistics: Sustainment, Supply Chains, and Strategic Mobility
Key players
- United States
Anchor of allied logistics, strategic lift, and prepositioned stocks worldwide
- Brazil
Producer of the C-390 airlifter and hub for regional maintenance and sustainment
- Germany
Logistics backbone of NATO's eastern reinforcement and EU munitions ramp-up
- Ukraine
Real-world case study of attritional sustainment and Western supply pipelines
- China
Dominant supplier of rare earths, batteries, and components critical to defense logistics
- South Korea
Emerging high-volume supplier of artillery, armor, and munitions to allied stockpiles
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for LAAD Defence & Security 2027.
Recent reporting to ground your prep
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance