Brazil Has Twice the Artillery Firepower of Any Nation in South America

This post includes affiliate links. If you purchase anything through these affiliated links, 247wallst.com may earn a commission.

24/7 Wall St. Insights:

• The Brazilian Army operates a range of artillery systems including basic towed and self-propelled units, as well as more sophisticated Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS)
• The ASTROS II is a highly versatile rocket system can fire multiple types of rockets and missiles, developed domestically by the Brazil
• Brazil’s tank force is anchored by the Leopard 1 main battle tank, acquired from Germany. This tank offers solid mobility and firepower with its 105mm gun
• Also: Dividend Legends to Hold Forever

It's no secret that Brazil has the largest military force in South America, but the magnitude that it has its neighbors outgunned is another story. Apart from possessing the largest standing army, Brazil also has the largest artillery force by a huge margin.

The Brazilian Army operates a range of artillery systems including basic towed and self-propelled units, as well as more sophisticated Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS).

Among these is the M109A5 155mm self-propelled howitzer, which offers mobility and firepower. Complementing this is the M101 105mm towed howitzer, which has been a staple artillery unit for decades. (These are the countries with the most towed artillery. )

Brazil also developed its own MLRS domestically. The ASTROS II is a highly versatile rocket system can fire multiple types of rockets and missiles. It is actually being sold on the world stage and has found popularity with other nations as well.

Brazil’s tank force is anchored by the Leopard 1 main battle tank, acquired from Germany. This tank offers solid mobility and firepower with its 105mm gun. Brazil also operates its domestically produced EE-T1 Osorio.

Separately, the Brazilian Navy is one of the strongest and largest naval forces in the region with over 4,600 miles of coastline to patrol. The Navy is also working on its first nuclear submarine, which would elevate its military might even further.

At the same time, Brazil is focused on modernization efforts within its air force. Currently there are nearly 100 Gripen E fighter jets on order, which will further enhance Brazil’s air power.

While Brazil has somewhat unparalleled firepower on the continent, its neighbors have big guns as well. Here, 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at the artillery firepower on the South American continent. ( This country built an unmatched artillery arsenal of nearly 15,000 weapons. )

To identify the South American countries with the most artillery units, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed 2024 Military Strength Ranking from Global Firepower, an annually updated defense-related statistics website with information on 145 countries. Countries were ranked on the total number of artillery units in their arsenal. We included supplemental information regarding the total military vehicles, tanks and MLRS units, as well as each country’s overall military strength score. Countries with no artillery were excluded.

Here is a look at the largest artillery forces in South America: Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding the military dynamics of South America is important considering the region's evolving geopolitical landscape and its strategic importance. Historically, South America has experienced internal conflicts and border tensions, but its military presence is now key in maintaining regional stability and security.

• Total artillery: 28
• Total towed: 28
• Total self-propelled: 0
• Total tanks: 10
• Total military vehicles: 1,936
• Total MLRS: 0
• Military strength score: 1.7053 - #85 out of 145

Currently, Paraguay reportedly has 28 artillery units that are all towed. It has around 2,000 military vehicles and 10 tanks as well. While Paraguay doesn’t have a large or powerful military, as it has about 2,000 active personnel.

For some historical context, after gaining independence in 1811, Paraguay’s military played a big role in the country’s defense, especially during the War of the Triple Alliance in the later 1800s. Since then, the military became more involved in state affairs, especially during the 20th century. And like many other South American countries, Paraguay’s military has been closely tied with its politics.

This led to the dictatorship of General Alfredo Stroessner, who took control in 1954 and ruled until 1989. It wasn’t until Stroessner was overthrown that Paraguay began its slow journey back to democracy, diminishing the influence of the military over the years.

As it stands now, the Paraguayan military is now more internally focused on defense and maintaining security within the country. And as such, Paraguay doesn’t need a large force to accomplish its objectives.

• Total artillery: 55
• Total towed: 55
• Total self-propelled: 0
• Total tanks: 54
• Total military vehicles: 452
• Total MLRS: 0
• Military strength score: 1.4851 - #82 out of 145

Currently, Bolivia’s military includes about 55 artillery units, all of which are towed. This is complemented by 450 military vehicles and 54 tanks. The arsenal has no MLRS units to speak of.

Bolivia’s military has played a central role in the direction of the country since gaining its independence in 1825 from Spain. The War of the Pacific was a notable moment in military history for the country as it lost its Pacific coastline to Chile in 1884. The military would go on to be heavily influential on the country’s direction in the 20th century.

During this time, the Bolivian military frequently intervened in politics, with multiple coups and military governments. One of the most significant periods of military rule was under General Hugo Banzer, who led a dictatorship from 1971 to 1978. However, a return to democracy in the early 1980s would also come with a weaker military influence.

This shift repurposed the military’s role to be more focused on national defense and internal security.

• Total artillery: 77
• Total towed: 71
• Total self-propelled: 6
• Total tanks: 39
• Total military vehicles: 3,993
• Total MLRS: 4
• Military strength score: 1.9695 - #96 out of 145

Uruguay reported has 77 total artillery units with the majority being towed units. The country has about 4,000 military vehicles and 40 tanks. However, Uruguay does have a handful of MLRS units. It has a standing army of about 25,000 active personnel.

In the 20th century, Uruguay was subject to military rule, most notably during the Bordaberry dictatorship starting in 1973, when the military seized control of the government in response to political instability. Democracy was restored in 1985, and like Suriname, the government moved to reduce the influence of the military.

One of the main shifts from the militaristic rule was repurposing Uruguay’s armed forces to a more passive and defensive role. Instead of trying to project power, Uruguay’s military is typically more involved in disaster relief, peacekeeping missions, and internal security.

Want to Retire Early? Start Here (Sponsor)

Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?

Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE . By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.

Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.