Brazil is evaluating a possible swap deal for the acquisition of the Tejas Mk1A light fighter, conditional on the Indian Air Force (IAF) selecting the Embraer-developed C-390 military transport aircraft in its tender to supply between 40 and 80 medium transport aircraft (MTA).
According to our media partner AEROIN, from the Indian defense intelligence portal IDRW, this negotiation could open the door to closer strategic cooperation between the two countries, offering significant benefits both for the modernization of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and for the strengthening of bilateral relations.
What place would Tejas Mk1A have in the FAB?
Brazil is in the midst of renewing its air fleet, with a particular focus on replacing the aging Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighters, which have been in service for decades. Although these aircraft have been thoroughly modernized, they are beyond their useful life and will be retired in the next few years. As part of this modernization, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has begun to incorporate the new Gripen-E, developed by the Swedish company Saab.
This fighter, with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 16.5 tons, features state-of-the-art technology, advanced avionics systems and a remarkable capacity to integrate a wide variety of weaponry, consolidating its position as one of the strategic pillars of the Brazilian fleet.
Currently, Brazil has already received the first units of an original order of 36 Gripen fighters, to which nine more aircraft will be added thanks to a new agreement reached with Sweden. This agreement reinforces bilateral cooperation between the two countries, highlighting Sweden’s choice of the Embraer C-390 Millennium as its future military transport aircraft.
See also: G20 Summit: France will offer Brazil 24 Rafale fighters to replace the AMX. Is it a good option?
Despite the Gripen-E’s capabilities, Brazil is looking to complement its fighter force with another fighter that offers good value for its money. In this context, the Tejas Mk1A, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of India, emerges as an interesting option to meet the FAB’s needs.
The Tejas Mk1A is a fourth-generation fighter equipped with advanced avionics systems, AESA radars and multirole capabilities. Its relatively smaller size and weight (MTOW less than 13.5 tons compared to the Gripen E) place it in a category more akin to the F-5BRs it aims to replace.
Aircraft swap: C-390 for Tejas
For its part, Brazil is betting that the IAF will choose the C-390M in its Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, which envisages the acquisition of 40 to 80 medium transport aircrafts. The Brazilian aircraft offers great operational flexibility thanks to its ability to carry heavy loads (up to 26 tons), such as military vehicles, helicopters and personnel, as well as being ideal for operating in vast and diverse territories such as those of India.
See also: «Contract of the Century»? Embraer and Mahindra partner to promote C-390 Millennium in India
If an exchange agreement is concluded, Brazil could acquire a number of Tejas Mk1A fighters on favorable terms, while India would obtain the C-390M, a key platform for its transport needs, and expand its presence in the international market with the first Tejas export.
Such an agreement would have a phenomenal impact on the defense industry of both countries, marking a strategic breakthrough that would strengthen their position in the international market. In addition to the economic benefits, this agreement would boost its global prestige, ensuring a sustained workload that would keep its production lines active for years to come.
