CHAPTER 1 — THE BRAZILIAN STATE AND NATIONAL DEFENSE The National Defense Strategy (END), first published in 2008 and revised in 2012, outlined measures to ensure that the National Defense objectives could be accomplished. The guidelines provided in the Strategy aim to develop the capabilities of the Armed Forces, in order to ensure national security, during peace and crisis. A purpose of the Strategy is to support the Armed Forces’ equipment needs, by favoring national expertise of state-of-theart technologies and more technological independence. The Navy on patrol of territorial waters A proper Defense structure ensures greater stability for the country and, thus, a favorable environment for the Brazilian state to reach its national objectives, established in the 3rd Article of the Federal Constitution: build a free, just and supportive society; guarantee national development; eradicate poverty and social exclusion and reduce social and regional inequalities; promote the common good, without prejudice of origin, race, sex, color, age and any other form of discrimination. 28 DEFENSE WHITE PAPER