In a strategic move aimed at deepening South-South defence cooperation, India is offering Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Tejas Mk 1A fighter jets and the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) to Brazil under a possible barter deal in exchange for Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft for its own fleet.
Under the proposal, India would acquire the C-390 Millennium for its Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, potentially seeking up to 80 units, while Brazil would strengthen its air fleet with the Tejas and Prachand platforms.
For India, the deal would significantly boost defence exports and promote the “Make in India” agenda via local assembly and technology transfer. For Brazil, it provides cost-effective fighters and helicopters suited to its vast terrain, along with the strategic transport capabilities of the C-390.
However, the arrangement remains in negotiation, facing hurdles such as financing, local manufacturing commitments, and alignment of technical specifications. If cleared, the deal could reshape each country’s defence industrial strategy and mark a new era of collaboration between two major democracies.
