Why it matters
LAAD is the premier gateway to Latin America's defence procurement ecosystem, offering direct access to Brazilian Armed Forces and Public Security buyers who hold active acquisition mandates backed by multi-billion-real national defence investment plans. For SMEs and international primes alike, the structured delegation programme — with 1,200+ pre-scheduled meetings in 2025 — provides a uniquely efficient route to decision-makers across the region. No comparable event in Latin America matches its scale, institutional backing, or concentration of qualified military and government buyers.
About
LAAD Defence & Security is the largest and most important defence and security trade show in Latin America, held biennially at Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro. Now in its 16th edition, it brings together Brazilian and international companies supplying equipment, services, and technology to the Armed Forces, Police, Special Forces, and corporate security sectors. The event features a structured Official Delegations Programme co-organised with Brazil's Ministry of Defence, attracting ministers, armed forces commanders, and senior government officials from across the globe. Parallel programming includes the International Symposium on Military Logistics and a Security Seminar.
Market intel
Moderate pricinghigh confidence
LAAD 2025 confirmed the event's status as Latin America's dominant defence trade platform, with nearly 40,000 credentialed visitors and 414+ exhibiting brands across all defence and security verticals. Major Western primes — including Embraer, Saab, Thales, Airbus, and BAE Systems — maintain a strong presence, reflecting Brazil's significant ongoing procurement programmes (Gripen, KC-390, submarines, frigates). The 2027 edition is expected to build on 2025's 1,233 delegation-exhibitor meetings as Brazil's defence budget continues to expand.
Notable exhibitorsEmbraer Defence & SecuritySaabThalesAirbusLeonardoBAE SystemsDamenL3Harris
AI-researched Tue, 25 August 2026. Estimates from public sources. Verify with the organizer.
Topics
Land systemsAirMaritimeISR & SensorsSoldier Systems
Who it's for
PrimesSMEsInstitutions