Brazil Evaluates India's Tejas Mk1A against Pakistan's JF-17 Block III for Crucial Contract to Replace Ageing F-5 Jets

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) is actively assessing potential replacements for its long-serving Northrop F-5FM Tiger II jets, marking a significant step in its ongoing fleet modernization program.

Facing the need to retire these decades-old aircraft, Brazil is considering distinct proposals from India and Pakistan, pitting the Indian-made Tejas Mk1A against the Pakistani-Chinese jointly developed JF-17 Block III.

The FAB's modernisation drive aims to enhance its capabilities to meet contemporary defence and security challenges, particularly across Brazil's vast territory, including the demanding Amazon region.

While the advanced Saab F-39 Gripen NG now serves as Brazil's primary fighter, the air force requires a more cost-effective, lightweight aircraft to complement the Gripen fleet.

This new aircraft would undertake essential roles such as air policing, ground attack operations, and other secondary combat duties, replacing the capabilities of the outgoing F-5s.

Approximately 40 F-5FM Tiger II jets remain in service but are approaching the end of their operational lifespan and are scheduled for retirement in the coming years.

These third-generation fighters, operational since the 1970s, lack the modern avionics, sensors, and versatility needed for current aerial warfare scenarios. This requirement has drawn international interest, leading to formal offers from both Pakistan and India.

Pakistan formally presented its JF-17 Block III proposal in early April 2025, offering detailed information on the aircraft's capabilities. Developed collaboratively by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), the JF-17 has been a key asset for the Pakistan Air Force since 2007.

The latest Block III variant, which became operational in 2024, incorporates significant upgrades, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, advanced flight control systems, an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, and a Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD).

India has countered with its Tejas Mk1A, a 4.5-generation fighter developed indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The Tejas is noted for its General Electric F404 engine, which provides a high thrust-to-weight ratio, potentially exceeding that of the JF-17.

It features a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, a combat range cited at 500 km with external fuel tanks, and a weapon payload capacity of 5,300 kg. The extensive use of composite materials in its construction contributes to a lower radar cross-section compared to the JF-17.

The estimated unit cost for the Tejas Mk1A is approximately $37.8 million.

Adding another dimension to the procurement process, the chief of the Brazilian Air Force has reportedly proposed a potential barter arrangement with India. This deal could involve Brazil supplying its Embraer C-390M military transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force in exchange for Tejas Mk1A jets.

While the Tejas Mk1A has faced challenges securing international orders previously, its profile has been boosted by growing confidence within the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF has placed substantial orders for 180 Tejas Mk1A aircraft and has integrated the type into operational deployments and international exercises.

The decision facing Brazil involves a complex evaluation of not only the technical performance and cost-effectiveness of the Tejas Mk1A and JF-17 Block III but also considerations related to strategic alignments, potential industrial partnerships, and the viability of the proposed barter deal with India. The outcome will significantly shape the future composition of Brazil's air defence capabilities.

 

DRDO Unveils 6.8mm Assault Rifle Prototype, Potentially Challenging Imported SIG716 and Stalled AK-203 Deal for Indian Army's Small Arms Inventory

US F-35 Proposal for India Faces Headwinds as IAF Signals Preference for More Rafale Jets and Indigenous AMCA

[Omad Er]

Tejas has no chance because it's not a fully indigenous fighter jet. Engine from the US. Weapons from Israel, etc. No country will buy this type of jets. Accept the reality. India should have developed its own jet engine at any cost, but we never tried it properly. It's a sad reality.

So what about Jf17. It's a total chinese plane with Russian engine and Chinese avionics and European safety systems and chinese missiles. Pakistan just assembles it.

 

[Omad Er]

We can troll Pak as much as possible, but they were able to co-develop a fighter jet from scratch, contributed and gathered knowledge while we were deeply shoved down in our ego. JF-17 Block 3 is proof that that country can do things, and we better move ahead apart from trolling. We don't even have a decent fighter jet; hardly Tejas will fulfill anything, as I don't know why on what ground it's competing with JF-17 B3. Tejas just started flying; we can't even fulfill our numbers. How shamelessly we are putting it upfront for export. Of course, people will reject it, and that rejection will be a shame for us against the Pakistani developed fighter jet, and I think our defence lover will love it if someone shames us.

First build, let it fly, make it perfect as per its capability, then you can think of export.

Co-develop seriously. Hahahahahaha Dude JF17 is fully developed by China with the help of Russia. It's basically MiG 21 copy and designed by Chengdu of China. It's original Chinese name is FC Xiaolong. Pakistan didn't even design a screw of that aircraft. It's a fully Chinese junk plane with high crash rate. It's designer is Yang Wei a Chinese guy. Pakistan bought FC Xiaolong from China and renamed it. Anyone can buy Chinese planes and rename it. Pakistan can it make a four wheeler on its own. This Chinese plane assembly can be done by any nations like Ethiopia or Uganda or Somalia. Dude do a basic search in Google before saying foolishness.

 

[Avada kedavra]

And what if once again some Western country offers second-hand F-16, F-15, Rafale, Typhoon, or Gripen?

 

[Rajsm]

First of all. HAL cannot supply and fulfill its orders to India for the last 10 years.

No guarantee of extra GE engines. Or even enough GE engines for even IAF's order.

So export order is a pipe dream.

Wishful thinking !!!

 

[Double Tap]

There is no competition, Brazil will go for Gripen or JF-17 to save time and money.

 

[Bks98]

Indian Air Force will order another 80 Tejas MK1A. HAL can provide a maximum of 18 Tejas. So it is impossible to provide to other countries. JF-17 is junk. Countries that bought JF-17 have service issues as 70% of the time JF-17 remains grounded due to maintenance.

 

[Nahian Ramim]

They have griffin, ain't they? All three are similarly classed, with griffin being heavier (still considered lightweight).

 

[BCharlie]

JF-17,
engine Russian,
weapons Chinese.
?

It can be with either a Chinese or a Russian engine. No strings attached, no approvals condition like American stuff. All software and weapons systems need no mods and no compatibility issues. It depends on what Brazil is selling. They have Embraer and push that to other countries. We can do this by buying Embraer, and they buy Tejas, provided Americans will sell their engines to be used by a third party.

 

[BCharlie]

So what about Jf17. It's a total chinese plane with Russian engine and Chinese avionics and European safety systems and chinese missiles. Pakistan just assembles it.

JF-17 comes with RD-93 Russian engines & also with direct fit ...WS-13 Chinese engines; In any case both engines have no restrictions like this Amriki sh it on engines going on with us;

 

[MF]

It can be with either a Chinese or a Russian engine. No strings attached, no approvals condition like American stuff. All software and weapons systems need no mods and no compatibility issues. It depends on what Brazil is selling. They have Embraer and push that to other countries. We can do this by buying Embraer, and they buy Tejas, provided Americans will sell their engines to be used by a third party.

Embraer has already stated that it is not for sale and it is unlikely that the Brazilian government would authorize it again.

 

[MF]

It is important to highlight some issues, such as the fact that there is no program planned for the replacement of the F-5 in the short term by the FAB, with only studies being carried out on what the market is offering. Even if such a program is approved, considering the budgetary limitations imposed by the government, it is more likely and advantageous for the FAB to acquire more Gripens produced in Brazil. If not, Brazil will probably consider purchasing used supersonic or subsonic aircraft.

Furthermore, considering the technical capabilities of the JF-17 and the Tejas, which in theory are very similar to those of the Gripen, the ideal would be for the FAB to acquire aircraft that complement the fleet in order to provide complementarity with the other aircraft operated by the FAB. Between the Super Tucano and the Gripen, there may be a need for an advanced subsonic or supersonic light attack and training jet such as the Leonardo M-346, TAI Hürjet and the KAI FA-50. Above the Gripen, a 5th generation single or twin-engine aircraft such as the TAI TF Kaan may be needed.

 

[M.H.]

Yes! agreed, they should have developed the engine. Except there is a world of a difference between should have and have. Having a need to develop something, does not automatically translate to actually being able to develop successfully. Especially so if u are a defense PSU as atrophied as GTRE. Even after the Kaveri was deprioritized GTRE was free to continue their internal research on it and achieve a breakthrough, yet even after 4 decades they failed to produce anything of consequence.

On another note, I too dont seee the deal materializing. For they already have invested in acquiring considerable tech transfer for Swedish JAS-39 GripenE and will probably standardize on the same. Not every country is India nor is every Airforce IAF, that prefers to have a zoo of several different disparate platforms to complicate logistics and material management. They will probably go for additional orders for GripenE and neither LCA nor the JF-17 Thunder has any realistic chance of securing the contract.

You are completely correct in your analysis of the Gripen. Considering the geopolitics of the South American country, it does not have a defense budget as robust as that of India, so its choices should be more rational.

 

[M.H.]

What other jets are in contention? If there is SK FA-50, then it will have a higher chance. India should consider a barter-deal and create a joint company which can roll out C-390 from the Indian plant and Tejas Mk-1A from the Brazilian plant.

So far there is no dispute because there is no bidding process to replace the F-5, there are only studies to see what is currently available.

 

[M.H.]

If India does not keep an eye on it, it may end up being left out. Apparently the Turks are very interested in making a deal with Brazil. The recent agreement between Embraer and Turkish Aerospace Industries opens up possibilities for Brazilian products (E-Jets E2 and C-390) in the Eurasian country, as well as Turkish products (Kaan and Hurjet) in the South American country.