The Age of Arsenals (1762-1822)

1762-1822

During the colonial period, Arsenals became a key element for the development and structuring of brazilian army. With the main purpose of producing the most varied ordinances, they became the precursors of the defense industry in Brazil, yielding so many contributions and technological advances.

Arsenal De Guerra Do Rio (AGR)

Arsenal de Guerra do Rio (AGR) dates back to 1762, when it was created by the Governor of Rio de Janeiro Captaincy, Gomes Freire de Andrade - Count of Bobadela - with the name of “Casa do Trem”, in Rio de Janeiro's downtown.

“Casa do Trem” had the main attribution to act as fortification and guard of the Captaincy, in addition to serving as a place for packaging, maintenance and production of ordinances. Succeeding Bobadela, Luiz Álvares da Cunha - Count of Cunha - expanded the original installation in 1764, adding new constructions.

In 1832, the Arsenal was renamed to "Arsenal de Guerra da Corte", having greater autonomy and production capacity. In 1889, with the Proclamation of the Republic, it received the name of "Arsenal de Guerra da Capital".

In the context of the urban growth of Rio de Janeiro, it was moved to the port area in 1902 and renamed to Arsenal de Guerra do Rio de Janeiro (AGR).

Throughout its history, Arsenal supported the Brazilian Army’s power combat, acting in Brazil Regency Period Revolts, in Triple Alliance War, Canudos War, Armada Revolt, Contestado War, as well as World War II. Currently, AGR performs manufacturing, maintenance and research activities, constituting a military organization of fundamental importance for the maintenance of the Army's military production capacity, in addition to acting in support of civil defense actions.

Arsenal De Guerra General Câmara (AGGC)

In 1774, “Real Armazéns” formed the defense line of Brazil's South Region and were the initial nucleus of the future Arsenal de Guerra do Rio Grande do Sul. Its mission was storing provisions to the troops, as well as repairing several types of ordinances.

The services of Arsenal de Guerra do Rio do Grande Sul, still in the 19^th century, were highlighted in the words of Duque de Caxias at the end of the Triple Alliance War. The patron of the Army recorded that: "Arsenal de Guerra do Rio Grande do Sul, for the assistance it provided to our Armed Forces, was one of the victory factors".

During the 20^th Century, especially in August 19^th, 1940, this Arsenal was renamed to Arsenal de Guerra de General Câmara (AGGC), keeping its mission, especially on the occasion of the World War II.

Nowadays, AGGC Arsenal continues to invest in the training of its military and in the constant improvement of its activities.

Arsenal De Guerra De São Paulo (AGSP)

Inaugurated on December 2^nd 1958, Arsenal de Guerra de São Paulo (AGSP) is the newest manufacturing facility of the Brazilian Army. Created under President Juscelino Kubitschek's government (1902-1976), this Arsenal was part of the national industrial effort to develop the industry in Brazil.

The history of AGSP goes through, especially, the history of the Regional Park of Motomechanization and the Regional Park of Armament. Two military units that, due to a major restructuring of the Brazilian Army in 1982, created the Regional Maintenance Park. Both units were then incorporated by Arsenal de Guerra de São Paulo.

In the late 1990's, as a result of the Phoenix Project, whose objective was to revitalize Army vehicles, the AGSP underwent profound changes. At that time, pavilions were improved, machinery and equipment were acquired and, above all, a new organization and work methodology was implemented.

Currently, AGSP continues to live up to the institutional mission conferred on it: “Developing industrial capabilities to support Brazilian Army's mission through the production, maintenance and innovation of systems and defense products, adding value to the services provided”