Rio de Janeiro conference puts AI and drones at the forefront of global defence

The XXIII International Security Conference of the Forte was held in Rio de Janeiro, bringing together military officials, diplomats, scholars and private‑sector leaders to discuss how artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial systems are reshaping defence strategies worldwide. Brazilian technology firm JMMTech used the forum to promote Brazil‑Europe collaborations on AI‑driven autonomous platforms. Its president, Ernani Machado, said the company is finalising a new Artificial Intelligence Centre that will accelerate research and expand partnerships with universities and research hubs.

Machado emphasized that “drones have become central to defence strategies globally, enhancing situational awareness and operational efficiency”, and that AI integration is now a top agenda for sovereign security. The conference theme, “Reprogramming Power: technology and geopolitics in a fragmented world”, underscored the strategic priority of these technologies. JMMTech has also taken part in the World Economic Forum in Davos and the IndiaAI Summit, signalling its growing role in international AI and defence dialogues.