SOURCE: AFI
Brazil is exploring a potential barter deal for the procurement of the Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) if the Indian Air Force (IAF) selects Brazil’s Embraer C-390M military transporter for its Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) tender for 60 units. The deal would allow Brazil to secure the Tejas Mk1A as a key addition to its fighter fleet while also providing India with a significant opportunity to strengthen its strategic ties with Brazil.
Brazil is actively working to modernize its Brazilian Air Force (FAB), particularly focusing on replacing its aging fleet of Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighter jets. The F-5 has been in service for several decades, and Brazil plans to retire it in the coming years, aiming to introduce more advanced, versatile platforms to meet the country’s growing defense and security needs.
In this context, Brazil has already inducted the Gripen-E, a highly capable multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Saab of Sweden. The Gripen-E, with a Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of 16.5 tons, provides the FAB with cutting-edge capabilities, including advanced avionics, superior maneuverability, and a wide range of weapons integration. However, despite the arrival of the Gripen-E, Brazil is looking to complement its fleet with another affordable yet effective fighter.
Brazil views the Tejas Mk1A, developed by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), as a potential replacement for the retiring F-5 fleet. While the Tejas Mk1A has a smaller MTOW of 13.5 tons compared to the Gripen-E, Brazil believes the aircraft’s unique capabilities could provide an effective balance between cost-efficiency and performance.
The Tejas Mk1A is a highly capable fourth-generation fighter with advanced avionics, indigenous radar systems, and multirole functionality. Its relatively smaller size and weight make it ideal for operations in regions with challenging terrain and limited infrastructure. The Brazilian Air Force sees the Tejas Mk1A as a cost-effective option that could serve as an affordable complement to the more expensive Gripen-E, particularly for roles that require agility and low operating costs.
On the other hand, Brazil is also keen on having the IAF select its Embraer C-390M as part of its MTA program. The C-390M is a versatile, medium-lift military transport aircraft, designed to meet the transport needs of modern air forces. With its ability to carry large payloads, including military vehicles, helicopters, and personnel, the C-390M offers significant operational flexibility for countries like India, which have expansive and geographically diverse territories.
Brazil hopes to leverage this MTA tender opportunity to secure Indian orders for the C-390M while offering the Tejas Mk1A to India as part of a barter arrangement. This could allow Brazil to procure the Tejas Mk1A at favorable terms, strengthening its defense capability and achieving its goal of modernizing its air force while providing India with a cost-effective, multirole fighter platform.
The proposed barter deal aligns with both countries’ strategic defense goals. India, with its growing defense industry and focus on indigenization, stands to gain by exporting the Tejas Mk1A to a nation with established defense procurement needs. Meanwhile, Brazil gets an opportunity to procure Tejas Mk1A aircraft as it moves forward with its fighter jet replacement program, while also securing a lucrative contract for the C-390M military transport aircraft.