SOURCE: AFI
Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, the Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, is currently on an important visit to India. During his trip, he will receive a first-hand demonstration of India’s indigenous Tejas Mk1A fighter jet as well as the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) facility in Bengaluru. This visit comes at a time when the Brazilian Air Force is actively looking to modernize its fleet, and the collaboration between India and Brazil in the defense sector is poised to expand significantly.
One of the key highlights of the Brazilian Air Force’s visit is their interest in acquiring new helicopters for various roles. Brazil has a requirement for 24 helicopters, which could include a new squadron specifically for operations in the Amazon region and for flood relief missions. Given Brazil’s vast and diverse terrain, a versatile fleet of helicopters is crucial for the country’s military operations, especially for conducting search and rescue missions, medical evacuations, and providing relief during natural disasters.
The LUH and LCH-Prachand helicopters, developed by HAL, are well-suited for these kinds of missions. The LUH is a multipurpose helicopter capable of high-altitude operations, while the LCH-Prachand is designed for combat, offering capabilities that could meet Brazil’s operational requirements for its jungle and remote terrain operations.
Brazil and India have been deepening their defense ties in recent years, and the prospect of purchasing Indian-made helicopters aligns with Brazil’s goal to increase the sale and purchase of weapon systems between the two countries. Brazil is keen on diversifying its defense suppliers and sees India as a rising defense manufacturing hub that offers competitive, reliable products. As both countries are members of BRICS and share similar geopolitical interests, strengthening military cooperation further cements their strategic relationship.
In addition to helicopters, the Brazilian Air Force Commander will also observe a demonstration of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, which Brazil is considering as part of its future fleet modernization plans. The Brazilian Air Force is expected to retire its aging Northrop F-5 jets post-2030, and the Tejas Mk1A, along with the future Tejas MkII, could be strong contenders for replacing these legacy aircraft. The introduction of the Tejas into Brazil’s fleet would represent a major leap in bilateral defense cooperation.
Moreover, Brazil has a growing interest in co-development and technology-sharing agreements with India. Both nations have strong domestic defense industries, and by collaborating on projects like helicopters and fighter jets, they can strengthen their strategic autonomy and reduce dependence on traditional Western suppliers.