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.

 

[Koorma]

At least the feasibility must be looked at. It can give India a break through in the export and other buyers may follow if a country like Brazil goes for Tejas.

 

[Skyfall]

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

We are unable to supply Tejas to our own airforce yet we are considering export??

 

[Abhinav Sharma]

IAF must consider this opportunity. C-390 is a good platform for transport, AWACS and Aur Refueler. The export opportunity of Tejas will be like icing on the cake. It will also save valuable CAPEX.

 

[VedantaKiran]

The IAF needs Tejas MK1A first. Moreover GE has committed to supply only 2 engines per month. So where is the room to make more Tejas MK1A for the Brazil order?
While it would be a great branding for Tejas Mk1A program, the IAF is junking the MIGs, Jaguars squadrons in the next 3-4 yrs. So first priority should be IAF

 

[vivek manjeshwar]

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.

True hope we will have a stable Kaveri 2.0, in next 5 years by then we will fulfill IAF order then we can think of export. If we get GE414 with 80%, TOT and consent to sell we can export Tejas mk2 after 5 years. I am optimistic about Tejas mk2 export option.

 

[Sanjay Sharotri]

AEW&C roles Embraer. Just what the doctor ordered. Plus HAL production platform will be kept busy. Plus entry into South America market.

 

[Muthukumar Ponnambalam]

True hope we will have a stable Kaveri 2.0, in next 5 years by then we will fulfill IAF order then we can think of export. If we get GE414 with 80%, TOT and consent to sell we can export Tejas mk2 after 5 years. I am optimistic about Tejas mk2 export option.

Not sure if MOD has any plans for reviving Kaveri. Going thru' various news articles, my anxiety and tension shoots up, if Kaveri is going to be put to rest successfully, to sit shamelessly on GE's shoulders firmly, despite its repeated history of humiliation.

 

[vivek manjeshwar]

Not sure if MOD has any plans for reviving Kaveri. Going thru' various news articles, my anxiety and tension shoots up, if Kaveri is going to be put to rest successfully, to sit shamelessly on GE's shoulders firmly, despite its repeated history of humiliation.

Then only option left is start co development with French snecma m88 - 3/4 or with Roles Royce for new engine to power AMCA 2nd batch. That means we may have to drop the idea of exporting Tejas Mk1A. Tejas mk2 that too after a decade.

 

[Amit]

if Embraer is good we should go ahead with this deal..this is a win win situation for both India and Brazil...and once Tejas bags first order other countries will follow suit..

 

[Radium]

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.

Indians always believe that what China can do, India can do the same, self righteous Indians

 

[Rokuth Mk1]

"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."

South Korea will be producing the GE F414-400 engine under license by Hanwha Aerospace. Hanwha is also promising to have an Indigenous engine with similar dimensions to the F414 engine for the KAI KF-21 within a decade. They are already producing licensed built F404-102 engines for the T-50 and it's variants.
Sweden will also be producing the F414 engine under license as the Volvo Flygmotor RM16 for the Gripen E/F. As it is, they are already license building the F-404 variant, the RM12 for the Gripen A/B/C/D versions.
As such, the impact for the need for the F404, and F414 engines from these countries is minimum, to say the least. The real issue is Politics. Will the USA see India as a reliable partner? With still a large dependence on Russian sourced military equipment, can India be trusted to not share data on American building processes, and technology with Russia? For GE to become a reliable engine supplier, not only does it have to overcome its supplier problems, it has to overcome possible US Government restrictions on selling engines & technology to India.

 

[Rokuth Mk1]

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.

Except :
South Korea currently license builds the F404 engines, and will also be producing the F414 engines. Hanwha Aerospace is the manufacturer, and they have promised a Korean Indigenous engine within a decade.
Sweden's Volvo Flygmotor produces the F404 under license as the RM12, and the F414 as the RM16. These engines have been modified to meet Swedish requirements.

As such, the argument above is moot. As both countries license build these engines, their impact on the supply of engines is minimal. The issue is if GE can solve its problems with its own suppliers to become a reliable source for engines.
Then there is the political realm. Does the USA see India as a reliable partner on the World Stage? Can India be trusted not to supply Russia with American technology, and building processes? These things need to be addressed on a government to government level 1st, before any real progress can be made.