Brazil to Buy 32 Tejas Jets and 24 Prachand Helicopters from India

In a major development in global defense cooperation, Brazilian media, citing sources within the country’s Defense Ministry, report that Brazil is set to acquire 32 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets and 24 Prachand attack helicopters from India. The deal is reportedly structured as a reciprocal arrangement, with India planning to purchase 80 C-390M transport aircraft from Brazil.

The proposed exchange highlights a new era of defense collaboration between the two countries. The Tejas Mk1A, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a lightweight, multi-role fighter aircraft designed for air superiority and ground attack missions. The Prachand, also known as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), is tailored for precision strikes and high-altitude operations, offering versatility in both offensive and defensive roles. On the other side of the agreement, Brazil’s C-390M is a modern military transport aircraft capable of carrying heavy cargo over long distances and operating from short or unprepared airstrips—an ideal platform to support India’s strategic mobility requirements.

Brazilian officials have emphasized the reciprocal nature of the deal. According to Brazilian Ambassador to India Kenneth da Nóbrega, “If India procures Brazilian platforms, Brazil will purchase an equivalent number of weapons from India,” underscoring the mutually beneficial structure of the arrangement.

Strategically, the deal would allow Brazil to modernize its air force, replacing aging fleets such as the AMX and F-5 jets. For India, acquiring the C-390M addresses a critical need to replace its aging Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft while enhancing operational reach across diverse terrains.

The negotiations also open the door for potential industrial collaboration. Talks are reportedly underway for local assembly and technology transfer of the C-390M in India, potentially involving Indian defense companies such as Mahindra Defence Systems. Such cooperation would bolster India’s domestic aerospace sector and support the “Make in India” initiative.

If finalized, this defense barter agreement would mark a significant milestone in India-Brazil relations, demonstrating a creative approach to international defense trade and mutual capability enhancement. Observers suggest that the success of this deal could pave the way for similar reciprocal arrangements between nations seeking to strengthen strategic ties while optimizing procurement costs.