India is emerging as a serious contender in Brazil’s ambitious plan to modernise its air defence systems. The Indian-made Akash surface-to-air missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is currently under evaluation by Brazil for its Medium/High Altitude Air Defence Artillery System project—launched under Ordinance EME/C Ex. No. 1,338/2024 in June last year.
The Akash system is one of just two contenders under Brazilian consideration—the other being China’s Sky Dragon 50—making this a high-stakes competition in the strategic South American market.
In a significant stride towards expanding its global defence footprint, “The system is under evaluation,” top diplomatic sources confirmed to BharatShakti, pointing to India’s active follow-up since receiving Brazil’s Request for Information (RFI). Indian defence officials reportedly maintain a high level of engagement, underscoring the seriousness of Brazil’s interest.
For Brazil, acquiring the Akash would mark a significant capability upgrade. The country’s existing air defence assets are limited to intercepting aerial threats up to 3,000 metres, far below the Akash’s operational ceiling. With Brazil seeking to secure key military and civilian installations across a vast national territory, top officials in the Brazilian Army are believed to have recommended a government-to-government deal with India to fast-track procurement.
Exim Bank to Anchor Defence Trade Expansion
In a major institutional boost to this growing defence relationship, India’s Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) will establish its first office in Brazil by June 2025. The move aims to facilitate low-cost, long-term financing for defence exports and enable joint ventures in key sectors.
“This aligns perfectly with India’s goal of scaling up defence exports to $6 billion by 2029,” a senior official told BharatShakti. With a loan portfolio of $18.32 billion in 2023–24, Exim Bank’s expanded footprint is expected to catalyse Make in Brazil initiatives, enhancing India’s ability to offer comprehensive export packages that include financing, training, and co-production.
‘Make in Brazil’: Naval and Small Arms Co-Production on the Table
Beyond air defence, the India-Brazil defence dialogue is rapidly diversifying. Brazil is actively exploring joint production opportunities across naval shipbuilding and small arms manufacturing.
Although there are currently no formal discussions on acquiring Indian-built frigates, Brazilian officials have signalled strong interest in co-developing warships and sharing shipbuilding best practices.
“Shipbuilding is one of the areas Brazil is keen on for collaboration—particularly in jointly building naval platforms,” sources said. Both countries also leverage forums like the Scorpène Club—a coalition of nations operating French-designed Scorpène submarines—for experience sharing and submarine fleet maintenance practices.
Small arms manufacturing is another area witnessing rapid traction. Brazilian arms giants Taurus Armas S.A. and Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos (CBC) have already set up operations in India. Bengaluru-based SSS Defence has entered a joint venture with CBC Global Ammunition, while Jindal Defence has partnered with Taurus Armas to manufacture firearms in India.
Both joint ventures have secured initial trial orders from the Indian Army and regional export customers, demonstrating early success in India’s localisation push.
“More such ventures could emerge in the near future, in either country,” officials indicated, pointing to a shared commitment to local manufacturing and technology sharing.
Aerospace Ties Take Flight with Embraer-Mahindra Partnership
The defence engagement also extends to the aerospace sector. Brazilian aerospace major Embraer Defence & Security has teamed up with Mahindra Defence Systems to offer the C-390 Millennium tactical airlifter for India’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program.
The MoU signed in February 2024 is expected to pave the way for co-development, technology transfer, and assembly of the aircraft in India, reinforcing New Delhi’s twin goals of operational capability enhancement and industrial self-reliance.
As India strengthens its strategic footprint in Latin America, the India-Brazil defence relationship stands poised to evolve into a robust model of South-South cooperation, defined by mutual trust, co-production, and long-term institutional alignment.
Huma Siddiqui
