Brazilian Navy nuclear program becomes top military investment

The Brazilian Navy's nuclear program has become the country's top military investment priority for 2025. Funding for the initiative rose to R$ 1.4 billion, a 4.5-fold increase from the R$ 311 million allocated in 2024.

This surge marks the first time in recent history that the nuclear program has surpassed other strategic defense projects, including the F-39 Gripen fighter jet program. The Gripen project saw a decrease in funding, receiving R$ 965 million in 2025 compared to R$ 1.6 billion the previous year.

The increased budget is directed toward technological development essential for the Álvaro Alberto, Brazil's first nuclear-powered submarine. Key areas of expenditure include the nuclear fuel cycle, the development of a propulsion reactor, and the Nuclear Power Generation Laboratory (LABGENE) located in Iperó, São Paulo. Approximately R$ 953 million of the total funds were paid to contracted companies, primarily for specialized engineering services. The most critical phase, integrating the reactor into the submarine hull, remains a future milestone.