# Lula's Defense Push Ahead of Election

> Lula bets on defense to secure Brazil's sovereignty ahead of election.
- Title: Lula's Defense Push Ahead of Election · Foreign Policy
- Summary: Lula bets on defense to secure Brazil's sovereignty ahead of election. Lula prioritizes defense spending to protect Brazil's sovereignty amid U.S. pressure…
- Keywords: lula, brazil, defense, election, sovereignty, u.s., trump, bolsonaro, military, industrial policy, nuclear submarine, seahawks
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/30/brazil-election-lula-defense-industrial-policy-economy-trump
- Author: Thayz Guimarães
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: lula, brazil, defense, election, sovereignty, u.s., trump, bolsonaro, military, industrial policy, nuclear submarine, seahawks
## Lula's defense appeal
Lula urged left-wing supporters to stop ignoring defense needs during a Workers’ Party convention in August.

> I want to ask the left-wing people, stop this nonsense of thinking that we don’t have to worry about defense
## Brazil's defense priorities
Lula identified Brazil’s need to protect 10,500 miles of land borders, the amazon rainforest, 12 percent of global freshwater, and mineral wealth.
## Lula's defense platform
Lula made defense policy a key pillar of his first presidential campaign featuring defense as a central theme.
## U.S. military pressure
Trump’s new military campaign in Latin America and sanctions targeting brazil have heightened defense concerns.
## Lula's defense strategy
Lula frames defense as a tool for reindustrialization, technological autonomy, skilled employment, and exports through soberania.
## Historical context
Lula’s nationalist left was shaped by opposition to brazil’s 1964-85 military dictatorship.
## Military-industrial complex
Lula has attended naval frigate inaugurations, missile manufacturer visits, and nuclear submarine developments.
## Defense budget shifts
Brazil’s defense budget grew by 40 percent if financed as net new spending compared to current levels.
## Budget constraints
Brazil’s defense budget discretionary portion fell by 42 percent in inflation-adjusted terms between 2:014 and 2024.
## U.S. security strategy
Trump’s 'Shield of the Americas' coalition targets cartels and terrorist networks with military force.
## U.S.-Brazil tensions
U.S. visa restrictions, magnitsky sanctions, tariffs, and terrorist designations targeted brazil since 2025.
## Bolsonaro's election bid
Flávio Bolsonaro is running in his father’s place ahead of the october 4 first-round vote.
## Sovereignty as strategy
Lula uses sovereignty to address military spending taboos and counter bolsonarismo within his coalition.
## Defense investments
Lula’s New Industry Brazil plan treats defense sectors as growth drivers for jobs and exports.
## Funding challenges
Lula faces $850 million in defense spending blocked by fiscal framework and audit warnings.
## Nuclear submarine program
Brazil’s first nuclear-powered submarine involves 900 companies and 63,000 jobs.
## Key takeaway

Lula prioritizes defense spending to protect Brazil's sovereignty amid U.S. pressure and election risks.