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India and Brazil are accelerating their strategic defence cooperation, with both nations actively exploring co-development, joint production, and industrial partnerships across multiple military platforms. The recent high-level engagements, including the 6th Strategic Dialogue and the 8th Joint Defence Committee Meeting in 2025, have set the stage for a broader collaboration in air defence, artillery, naval systems, and aerospace.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva highlighted the “significant growth in bilateral strategic interactions” and reiterated their commitment to fostering defence cooperation. Both leaders encouraged industries in India and Brazil to fast-track collaboration, creating mutually beneficial partnerships that strengthen local defence ecosystems.
Brazil Considers Akash Missile for Air Defence
Brazil is actively evaluating India’s Akash surface-to-air missile system as part of its Medium/High Altitude Air Defence Artillery program. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, Akash offers medium-range aerial defence capabilities far exceeding Brazil’s current systems, which intercept threats only up to 3,000 meters.
“The system is under evaluation,” a senior diplomatic source told BharatShakti, confirming India’s engagement following Brazil’s Request for Information. High-ranking Brazilian Army officials are reportedly advocating a government-to-government acquisition, underlining the strategic priority of modernising Brazil’s air defence.
Garuda 105 V2: Lightweight Artillery for Rapid Deployment
Brazil has also expressed interest in the Garuda 105 V2, an ultra-lightweight, mobile artillery system developed by Kalyani Strategic Systems, part of Bharat Forge. Designed for high mobility and rapid deployment, the Garuda’s modular design and digital fire control make it suitable for expeditionary operations and jungle warfare, capabilities aligned with Brazil’s operational needs in the Amazon region.
Naval Cooperation and Offshore Patrol Vessels
Naval collaboration remains a key pillar of the partnership. Brazil, a member of the “Scorpène Club” of nations operating French-designed Scorpène-class submarines, has inked a trilateral agreement with Mumbai-based Mazagaon Dock Ltd for joint maintenance and operational expertise with India.
Secretary East P. Kumaran said that the two sides have a trilateral MoU between MDL and both navies “for the maintenance of Scorpène-class submarines and other military ships.”
Brazil is also evaluating Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) from India, alongside expertise in coastal surveillance and battlefield communications. Top diplomats confirmed that “shipbuilding is an area where Brazil has expressed interest in working together in jointly building warships and learning best practices.”
Industrial Partnerships: Embraer, CBC, Taurus, and Beyond
The defence-industrial collaboration extends to aerospace and small arms manufacturing. Brazilian companies Taurus Armas S.A. and Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos (CBC) have already established joint ventures in India. Bengaluru-based SSS Defence partnered with CBC Global Ammunition, while Jindal Defence signed a JV with Taurus Armas for production within India.
“Maybe down the line, some more joint ventures are expected to come up either in Brazil or in India, because both countries are keen on ensuring that the platforms or other military stores should be made locally,” said sources familiar with the talks.
Embraer expands its presence
During the visit of President Lula, Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer has been particularly active, signing several key MoUs with Indian partners. On Saturday, Embraer and Adani Defence & Aerospace exchanged an enhanced agreement to establish a Final Assembly Line for the E175 regional jet as part of India’s Regional Transport Aircraft program. In parallel, Embraer and Hindalco Industries are exploring industrial opportunities in aerospace-grade aluminium manufacturing to support a local supply chain.
“Regional aviation is the backbone of economic expansion. This partnership will also strengthen strategic relations between India and Brazil, bringing complementary capabilities together,” said Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Defence & Aerospace. Roberto Chaves, Executive Vice President of Global Procurement at Embraer, stressed that the joint initiatives “enhance Embraer’s engagement in advancing the aerospace ecosystem in India, creating long-term value across the entire supply chain.”
C-390 Millennium
Under a separate collaboration, Embraer and Mahindra Group are working to establish Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities for the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. The facility aims to provide full-spectrum support, including base and heavy maintenance, avionics, structural inspections, and pilot training, strengthening India’s operational autonomy.
“A state-of-the-art C-390 Millennium MRO capability in India would ensure high aircraft availability, enhanced operational autonomy and a comprehensive local sustainment solution,” said Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group.
