Yesterday, the Union of South American Nations (Unasur), a group made up of the twelve South American countries, finally agreed to open up their defense budgets to the other members in order to have transparency in military spending.  Such a step towards transparency in the defense sector comes after a number of moves by Brazil, the South American giant, to improve its armed forces and military connections, despite an overall reduction in South American defense spending due to the tough financial times.

Back in March, Brazil’s president, Dilma Rousseff, used her visit to New Delhi to discuss a military accord with India.  Brazil has also recently asked the US for more military collaboration, including the possible transfer of military technology, something Brazil would get if it purchased US F/A18 fighters.  And just this month, Brazil and Turkey agreed to boost defense ties and technology transfers between…