Brazil Eyes to Buy Tejas Mk1A to Replace Aging F-5 Tiger II Jets, Offers IAF to Buy Back Embraer C-390M under Barter Deal

In a move that could significantly bolster defence ties between India and Brazil, the South American nation is considering the acquisition of India's Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) as a replacement for its aging Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighter jets.

This potential deal hinges on a proposed barter arrangement, with Brazil hoping that the Indian Air Force (IAF) will select Embraer's C-390M military transport aircraft for its Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) tender.

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) is undergoing a modernization program, with the decades-old F-5s nearing retirement. While the FAB has already inducted Saab's Gripen-E multi-role fighter, it seeks a more affordable yet capable aircraft to complement its fleet. The Tejas Mk1A, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has emerged as a strong contender.

Despite its smaller size compared to the Gripen-E, the Tejas Mk1A boasts advanced avionics, indigenous radar systems, and multirole functionality. Its agility and lower operating costs make it an attractive option for Brazil, particularly for operations in challenging terrain.

Brazil sees an opportunity to leverage the IAF's MTA tender for 60 units to secure a favorable deal for the Tejas Mk1A. By offering the C-390M, a versatile medium-lift transport aircraft well-suited for India's diverse geographical needs, Brazil aims to incentivize the IAF to reciprocate with an order for the Tejas Mk1A.

This proposed barter deal aligns with both countries' strategic objectives. For India, exporting the Tejas Mk1A would be a significant boost to its growing defence industry and its "Make in India" initiative. Brazil, in turn, would acquire a cost-effective fighter to modernize its air force while securing a valuable contract for its C-390M.

 

[PKPRS]

This would be really great, we can 6 Embraer business jets for AEW&C roles also like this.

 

[Pramkumar]

the value of the MK1A and nos, along with the total value and TOTs will be need to be considered since Brazil dont have any restriction like Argentine for the parts.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

We should evaluate the barter.

 

[sanket]

Once kaveri derivative is developed more freely Export of Tejas MK1A will happen anyway Great developments

 

[Neal.B]

Not a bad deal. India should explore the opportunity

 

[coke]

Evaluation of barter is needed, if they order close to 60 only then it would be equally benificial to both

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Problem is not Tejas but HAL. Tejas is an excellent fighter but HAL is terrible when it comes to producing fighters

 

[Deepak Hegde]

Brazil can deliver the C-390 to India, but can India deliver anything? Tejas Mk-1A is not even delivered to IAF with no guarantee when they will be delivered if at all!

 

[ramdas]

As India is waiting for the engines that will never arrive in time Brazil needs to think twice. Instead they can go in for additional Gripen

 

[R. Singh]

Buy C-390M and latest version of IL-60 both to meet MTA and heavy transport planes demand !

 

[Kira]

I don't think that HAL can hold its end of the deal as it will struggle to produce enough Tejas for the IAF itself let alone for exports. Rather India should potentially offer the Brazilians some of its modern SAM systems. Nonetheless this is a good offer.

 

[Muthukumar Ponnambalam]

If India is serious about export of Tejas, it should be so aggressive in total - I mean, 200% - indigenization of it, starting from the engine. GE engines should only be a temporary stop gap and Kaveri should be revived to match GE F-414 in like 5 years. Inias has to do WHAT IT TAKES, TO ACHIEVE THIS FEAT.

NO MORE F-G PIGGYBACKING ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE WEST. ENOUGH.

And the annual production rate is nowhere near the requirements to meet domestic and international orders. That has to doubled to meet 32 jets a year.

Only then it can take pride in what it is doing.

 

[INDIAN]

Its could have been good deal to build a transport aircraft which India lacks.
Brazil shouldn't have any problem in sharing technology.

 

[vivek manjeshwar]

Till we get our steady supply of GE404 engine it is not possible. In Geo politics and in the game of arms trade No Engine provider will allow it to happen also as we will be taking their share with their own engine. Our priority should be to produce 90+Tejas mk 1A and 120 Tejas Mk2 for Indian airforce, because we really don't know between Sweden, India and South Korea whom they will support to export. Good on paper at present, hope we too will get our share in global south, provided we improve our production rate and become a trustworthy supplier of other items. Regarding Brazil at present it is a sweetener by Brazil than a commitment as they too know we are dependent on GE engine from USA. Saab could export their grippen after may be 25 years. USA may give preference to Sweden or South Korea first only then India. We may have to sell our Tejas Mk1A to erstwhile Russian customer's. USA may still want to sell F16s, used F16s to south America and smaller European countries which are NATO members. Turkey too can be a competitor to us.

 

[B.Datta]

If GE is going to delay in the supply of engines for Tejas MK1 then we must do what China does on a regular basis i.e. to do some Reverse Engineering of GE and manufacture that locality.

 

[Shiva]

exchange activities are not suitable and preferrable to India.
Brazil not yet understood!!!

 

[Sandeep Gupta]

RD33 Series 3 engines can be fitted inTejas without any change it can give dry thrust of 89 KN on new tech and 180 KN wet thrust. India can also go with Eurojet EJ200 for 105/120KN dry (Fuel Gruzzler)and 190KN wet thrust on my new tech.

 

[MF]

Its could have been good deal to build a transport aircraft which India lacks.
Brazil shouldn't have any problem in sharing technology.

Embraer has already demonstrated its willingness to offer technology transfer to India and other nations if there is a cooperation agreement.

 

[MF]

As India is waiting for the engines that will never arrive in time Brazil needs to think twice. Instead they can go in for additional Gripen

Sweden and Brazil recently signed letters of intent. Brazil has expressed interest in increasing its order with 9 additional Gripens. And Sweden will begin negotiations to acquire KC-390s to replace its aging C-130s.
Even so, the Brazilian Air Force needs another type of combat aircraft, as it has always operated more than one type at the same time. Recently, rumors have surfaced that Italy has offered the M-346 to replace the AMX-A1s and France has offered Rafales to replace the F-5s.

 

[MF]

Evaluation of barter is needed, if they order close to 60 only then it would be equally benificial to both

Brazil will never acquire 60 Tejas aircraft. This amount would be an exaggeration given the real need for the FAB, since Brazil has no risk of conflict with any neighboring country. Brazil will probably focus on acquiring a larger volume of Gripen.
Furthermore, considering that Brazil probably has no interest in demanding technology transfer or opening a final assembly line locally, the biggest beneficiary of such an agreement would be India, as a large percentage of KC-390s would be assembled in India, in addition to the transfer of technology and integration of Indian industry into Embraer's supply chain.

 

[MF]

We should evaluate the barter.

It would not be a simple exchange, since Brazil would possibly not have any intention of acquiring a large volume of Tejas and consequently, would not be able to reach the same purchase value of KC-390s as the Indians.

 

[Anubhav Sharma]

Deals of such kind comes once in a decade, totally grab on but with caution on fine tuning

 

[MF]

exchange activities are not suitable and preferrable to India.
Brazil not yet understood!!!

Not even for Brazil, exchange activities with India would be appropriate and preferable! Practically all 3 Brazilian armed forces have renewed their military equipment with renowned Western companies. It would be smarter for Brazil to continue making agreements with Iveco, Airbus, Saab, Naval Group, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, among others!

 

[Sandeep]

It’s unlikely that Brazil will buy the Tejas MK1A as they would go with a western company. As for barter deals they rarely take place in defence deals because of the technology involved, manufacturing involved, content and supplying it disagreements along with strict contracts become messy.