An Indian defense delegation is set to visit Brazil on December 8 and 9 for the Brazil-India Dialogue of the Defense Industry (DID), a critical forum where extensive discussions on defense procurement and collaboration are anticipated. Central to the dialogue will be the potential purchase of Brazilian transport aircraft and discussions surrounding the sale of Indian fighter jets.
Brazilian company Embraer is particularly interested in securing a significant contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) through the sale of its C-390 Millennium Medium Transport Aircraft. The C-390 embodies advanced capabilities as a multi-mission, twin-engine tactical transport aircraft and has proven itself in the Brazilian Air Force since its induction in 2019, accumulating over 15,000 flight hours. In seeking to enhance its strategic capabilities, Brazil is also exploring the possibility of acquiring the Indian-made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas for its own air force.
The defense ties between India and Brazil are evolving rapidly. An illustrative example is the collaboration between Brazilian company Taurus Armas and India’s Jindal Defence, which aims to manufacture a variety of small arms under the brand name “J D Taurus,” with a 51:49 equity structure. This venture highlights the growing interdependence and shared objectives within the defense sectors of both nations.
During the upcoming dialogue in Sao Jose dos Campos, high-level representatives from Embraer, the Brazilian Ministry of Defense, and Brazilian government officials are expected to meet. This assembly presents a golden opportunity for the signing of agreements potentially worth billions of dollars, especially in light of recent discussions between Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit, where both leaders expressed a mutual desire for elevating bilateral cooperation across strategic sectors, including defense.
A key topic of intrigue is the enhancement of collaborative efforts in missiles and submarines. Both nations are exploring possibilities involving advanced military equipment, such as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Akash surface-to-air missile system. Brazil’s interest in joint production capabilities aims to establish a regional hub for weapons systems tailor-made for Latin American markets.
For instance, the C-390 proposal aims to support the IAF’s Medium Transport Aircraft tender, where the Brazilian firm intends to collaborate with Mahindra for local production, intending to produce between 40 to 80 units under India’s Make in India initiative. This strategic partnership is set to involve technology transfer and localized assembly for significant indigenization.
Meanwhile, the Indian Akash missile system is also in consideration for Brazil’s military arsenal, advocated through a proposed government-to-government agreement. Offered as an “Iron Dome” equivalent, the Akash is designed to counter aerial threats efficiently, boasting a high operational readiness and the capability to engage multiple targets at considerable distances. The project’s indigenization efforts aim to enhance local manufacturing content progressively.
As the Brazilian military develops its first nuclear-powered attack submarine, slated for launch in 2029, there is a growing interest in integrating the BrahMos-NG system as part of this modernization initiative. This could align with Brazil’s Gripen aircraft, boosting their operational capabilities.
With its robust defense market projected to grow significantly from an estimated US$1.38 billion in 2024 to US$1.78 billion by 2029, Latin America offers fertile grounds for India-Brazil collaboration in the defense sector. Major-Brigadier Rui Chagas Mesquita, Secretary of Brazilian Defence Products, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating the intent to co-develop products that could serve both nations and the broader Latin American market.
Overall, the forthcoming dialogue between the Indian delegation and Brazilian defense officials signifies a pivotal moment in the bilateral relations, aiming not only to bolster military capabilities but also to foster long-term strategic ties through joint ventures and technology exchanges. The outcomes of this dialogue could redefine the defense landscape in both nations and beyond.
