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As Brazil’s Defence Minister prepares to visit India this October, both countries are set to advance a series of high-stakes negotiations in the aerospace and defence sectors, with the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) project and India’s indigenous Akash missile system high on the agenda.
The ministerial visit comes at a time of shifting geopolitical alignments and rising global protectionism, including ongoing U.S. trade tensions under the Trump administration. For India, the moment is strategic – diversifying its defence imports and deepening South-South partnerships have become key national objectives.
C-390 Millennium in the Spotlight
At the centre of bilateral talks is Brazil’s Embraer-made C-390 Millennium, a multi-mission military transport aircraft that could soon join the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet under its MTA program. Embraer has already responded to the IAF’s Request for Information (RFI), proposing a deal that could see up to 80 aircraft sold, each valued at around $150 million. If sealed, the contract could become one of Embraer’s largest international defence deals.
To strengthen its presence in India, Embraer recently launched a fully owned subsidiary in New Delhi’s AeroCity, positioning itself at the heart of India’s aerospace ecosystem. The new office will focus on engineering, procurement, and urban air mobility, aligning with India’s “Make in India” ambitions.
“India is a key market for Embraer,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer, in an exclusive interaction with BharatShakti earlier. “This expansion shows our deep commitment to India’s growth and technological advancement.”
A crucial step in this direction has already been taken through an MoU signed between Embraer and Mahindra Defence Systems last year, with the intent to co-develop and manufacture the C-390 in India.
Akash Missile: Still on Brazil’s Radar
On the other side of the table is India’s Akash missile system, developed by DRDO. The medium-range surface-to-air missile has been shortlisted by Brazil for its Medium/High Altitude Air Defence Artillery System initiative, with only China’s Sky Dragon 50 remaining as the other contender.
While recent talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva did not mention Akash openly, Brazilian officials confirm the system remains “technically sound” and “in play.” However, the procurement has faced delays, with Brazilian sources citing budgetary and technical constraints, while Indian officials suggest strong lobbying from Israeli and French defence firms has slowed down the process.
Interestingly, Brazil maintains that the Akash and the C-390 are being negotiated as separate deals, and that Akash-related delays should not influence India’s evaluation of Embraer’s offering.
Strategic Momentum Ahead of Lula’s 2026 Visit
The Defence Minister’s visit sets the stage for a broader strategic realignment as Brazil gears up for President Lula’s planned state visit to India in 2026. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin is also expected in India this October as part of the Trade Monitoring Mechanism, accompanied by a high-level delegation to discuss cooperation in defence, energy, critical minerals, digital inclusion, and more.
The growing defence synergy is further amplified by Brazilian arms companies like Taurus Armas S.A. and CBC, which have partnered with Indian firms such as SSS Defence and Jindal Defence for joint manufacturing.
Industrial and Aviation Collaboration
Beyond defence, Brazil and India are exploring joint ventures in naval platforms, small arms, and even submarine operations under programs like the Scorpion Club, which promotes shared training on Scorpène-class submarines.
Embraer’s commercial aviation division is also tapping into India’s regional connectivity ambitions. Its E-Jet family is already in service with Star Air, helping unlock tier-2 and tier-3 aviation routes that larger aircraft cannot profitably serve.
October’s visit by the Brazilian Defence Minister could mark a major inflection point in bilateral ties, as both democracies look to co-create the future of South-South defence cooperation.
Huma Siddiqui
