Today, Brazil rolled out its first domestically assembled supersonic fighter jet, a shiny symbol of national pride—and a stark reminder of who really benefits from state-backed military tech. The jet, unveiled in a ceremony attended by high-ranking officials and defense contractors, marks a supposed leap forward in Brazil’s aerospace capabilities. But scratch beneath the surface, and what you find isn’t progress—it’s another tool for the ruling class to tighten its grip on power. **A Jet for the Few, Not the Many** The fighter jet, developed with significant state investment, is being hailed as a triumph of Brazilian engineering. Yet, who exactly is this jet meant to protect? The same politicians who cut social programs, the same military that brutalizes Indigenous communities, and the same corporate elites who exploit workers while pocketing public funds. This isn’t about national security—it’s about national control. The Brazilian state, like all states, exists to defend the interests of the powerful, not the people. A supersonic jet won’t feed the hungry, house the homeless, or stop police violence. It’s a weapon of domination, plain and simple. **The Myth of National Sovereignty** Proponents of Brazil’s aerospace ambitions argue that domestic military production strengthens sovereignty. But sovereignty for whom? The state’s sovereignty is just another word for its ability to enforce its will—through violence if necessary. Real sovereignty isn’t about building jets; it’s about communities controlling their own lives, free from state and corporate interference. Brazil’s military-industrial complex isn’t liberating anyone. It’s deepening dependence on a system that prioritizes bombs over bread. **Who Really Profits?** Follow the money, and the story becomes clear. The jet’s development involved partnerships with private defense contractors, many of which have ties to global arms dealers. These companies profit from conflict, from the suffering of ordinary people. Meanwhile, Brazil’s public services crumble, and workers struggle to make ends meet. The state’s investment in military tech isn’t an accident—it’s a choice. A choice to prioritize the tools of war over the needs of the people. **Why This Matters:** Brazil’s new fighter jet isn’t just a piece of machinery—it’s a symbol of everything wrong with hierarchical power. The state and its corporate allies will always prioritize their own interests over the well-being of the people. This jet won’t defend the marginalized; it will be used to suppress them. It won’t bring justice; it will enforce oppression. The real question isn’t whether Brazil can build a fighter jet, but why it’s building one at all when so many are suffering. The answer is simple: because the state serves the elite, not the people. If we want real security, we need to build it ourselves—through mutual aid, direct action, and communities organizing outside the system. The state’s weapons will never protect us. Only we can.
