In what may be reflective of the growing strategic relations between India and Brazil, the two countries may be heading for a defence exchange deal—Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) HAL Tejas Mk 1A for Embraer C-390 Millennium.
According to a report in IDRW, the deal is contingent on India selecting the medium-size, twin-engine, jet-powered military transport aircraft Embraer C-390 Millennium.
The barter deal would lead to Brazil adding the fourth-generation Tejas Mk 1A adding to its growing fleet as part of a modernisation drive of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The country had recently expressed its intention to buy more Gripen fighter jets from the Swedish company Saab. This was after Sweden chose the C-390 Millennium as its next military cargo aircraft. Brazil is looking for more affordable yet efficient fighter jets and LCA Tejas Mk 1A is being seen as a possible contender despite its smaller size when compared to Gripen.
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Brazil reportedly views Tejas Mk 1A, featuring advanced avionics, indigenous radar systems, and multi-role capabilities, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), as a replacement for its aging Northrop F-5 fighter jets, which forms a major part of FAB. Tejas Mk1A has a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 13.5 tonnes, compared to F-5's MTOW of approximately 11 tonnes.
Brazilian Air Force Lieutenant-brigadier Marcelo Kantiz Damasceno had recently said, "Currently, we have the F-5 and the Gripen, but after 2030, we will need maybe two more kinds as the F-5 goes. So, while the Gripen remains, the Tejas is one of the options for our second or third fighter plane."
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If the Tejas Mk 1A - Embraer C-390 Millennium deal goes through, it would be a major fillip to India's export capabilities and 'make in India' initiative.