On Friday 24 July, Avibras Aeroco welcomed the President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, accompanied by a ministerial delegation, to its Jacareí (SP) facility. The visit took place at a significant moment for the company, which began its industrial operations two months ago, marking a new phase for the Brazilian defence and aerospace industry.
Avibras Aeroco’s President, Sami Hassuani, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Raúl Ortúzar, and Board member Thiago Osório led the tour of the industrial facilities, showcasing the company’s technological and production capabilities, strategic projects, and prospects for expansion in domestic and international markets.
During the visit, the officials toured the areas dedicated to the manufacture of metal components for missiles and rockets, propellant production, missile assembly and the vehicle factory. Avibras team had the opportunity to present their activities to the President of the Republic, sharing the day-to-day activities they carry out and their expectations regarding the company’s future.
At the vehicle factory, some of the key products developed and manufactured by Avibras Aeroco were showcased, including the ASTROS Missile and Rocket Artillery System, the Tactical Cruise Missile, the Tactical Ballistic Missile, and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), highlighting the company’s ability to develop strategic solutions for National Defence and friendly nations.
The officials’ addresses took place at the vehicle manufacturing plant. In his speech, the chairman of Avibras Aeroco, Sami Hassuani, emphasised that the presidential visit represented much more than a routine institutional engagement, symbolising confidence in the capabilities of the national defence industry and the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors.
“This visit confirms that Avibras Aeroco is a reality. As a financially, technically and industrially sound company, we are ready to innovate, produce, compete and serve Brazil,” he stated.
Hassuani also emphasised his conviction that this partnership will continue to grow stronger, turning commitments into concrete actions and consolidating Avibras Aeroco as an increasingly strategic company for the country’s development and sovereignty.
Lula highlighted the importance of Avibras Aeroco to national sovereignty, emphasising its technological and industrial capabilities and the high level of expertise of its staff.
“To safeguard this country, I want the Armed Forces to be prepared and trained in terms of military capability, scientific knowledge and technology,” he stated.
The Vice-President of the Republic, Geraldo Alckmin, also emphasised the company’s strategic role in strengthening Brazil’s defence industrial base. “Brazil cannot go a single minute without defence. Avibras is a leader in innovation and is on the path to further development.”
Delegation - President Lula was accompanied by the Ministers of State José Múcio Monteiro (Defence), Márcio Elias Rosa (Development, Industry, Trade and Services), Alexandre Silveira (Mines and Energy), Luciana Santos (Science, Technology and Innovation) and by the Chief Minister of the Institutional Security Office of the Presidency of the Republic, General of the Army Marco Antonio Amaro. Also taking part in the visit were the Commander of the Brazilian Navy, Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen; the Commander of the Brazilian Army, General Tomás Miguel Ribeiro Paiva; the Acting Commander of the Air Force, Air Lieutenant-Brigadier Walcyr Josué de Castilho Araújo; the President of the Brazilian Agency for Industrial Development (ABDI), Olavo Noleto; the President of the Brazilian Agency for the Financing of Studies and Projects (Finep), Luiz Antônio Elias; the Director of Finance and Capital Markets at the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), Alexandre Corrêa Abreu; and the President of the Metalworkers’ Union of São José dos Campos and Region, Weller Gonçalves.
