New Delhi. The forthcoming visits of two high-level delegations led by the Commander of the Brazilian Navy and the Commander of the Armed Forces to India will further deepen the military cooperation between India and Brazil. The visit is scheduled during August-September, 2024.
According to a media report quoting a top diplomat said, “These visits are significant as they aim to finalise a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding the maintenance of `Scorpene’ submarines in Brazil, a key focus area of the bilateral talks. The discussions will also explore potential acquisitions of military aircraft and new defence technologies, highlighting the multifaceted nature of this evolving relationship.”
Underscoring the growing partnership between the two nations, this collaboration reflects a mutual commitment to enhancing defence capabilities and achieving self-reliance in critical areas. This initiative seeks to fulfil the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces while also enabling future exports to allied nations, representing a crucial advancement in India’s defence export strategy.
The cooperation between India and Brazil revolves around the maintenance of the `Scorpene’ submarines. During an earlier visit by a Brazilian delegation, led by the Commander of the Brazilian Navy and the Commander of the Armed Forces, discussions with Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel, focused on this very goal. Brazil’s valuable expertise in naval matters, particularly in submarine maintenance, provides a unique opportunity for India to accelerate its progress in this domain. By sharing knowledge and best practices, the two countries can bolster their naval preparedness, contributing to regional security in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
India has been working towards indigenising submarine maintenance capabilities as part of an ambitious effort to achieve self-reliance in defence production. This initiative aims to enable India to perform essential tasks, repairs, and upgrades locally, thus reducing dependence on foreign technology and expertise.
The potential acquisition of Embraer’s C-390 aircraft by the Indian Air Force (IAF) is another significant aspect of the growing India-Brazil military ties. The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer has proposed the C-390 as a candidate for India’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) requirement, which includes up to 80 aircraft. The C-390 is a versatile platform capable of fulfilling various roles, including military transport and aerial refuelling.
Adding another layer of potential collaboration is the Embraer’s partnership with Mahindra Aerospace. Aligned with India’s ‘Make in India’ program, the proposal includes not only manufacturing the C-390 in India but also the possibility of producing the E2 series regional commercial jet domestically, thus emphasising domestic production and technological advancement in the aerospace sector.
Over the years, the India-Brazil defence relationship has been steadily growing. In 2022, a landmark visit by a Brazilian Navy delegation, led by Vice Admiral Liberal Enio Zanelatto, marked a significant moment in this partnership. The delegation visited the Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, where they observed the construction of the ‘Scorpene’ class submarines. They also inspected an Indian Navy Kalvari (Scorpene) class submarine, further deepening their understanding of India’s naval capabilities.
Facilitating discussions on various topics, including submarine technology, defence and security cooperation, and the shared maritime interests of both nations, these visits have enhanced the Brazilian Navy’s interest in collaborating with India for the maintenance of their Scorpene-class submarines highlights the mutual benefits of this partnership. Additionally, discussions have also extended to the potential building of frigates for the Brazilian Navy, with India being shortlisted as a candidate for this project.
In addition, going beyond submarines and aircraft, the two countries are exploring other areas of defence cooperation. The Brazilian Army has expressed interest in India’s Akash Missile, a surface-to-air missile system developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Although no formal decision has been announced, the establishment of a BEL office for marketing purposes in Sao Paulo signifies a step towards greater defence collaboration and lays the groundwork for future engagements.
Moreover, the upcoming visit of the Brazilian delegation to India will include meetings with BrahMos Aerospace authorities. This engagement suggests potential discussions around the BRAHMOS missile, supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia. “Such meetings could pave the way for future acquisitions or collaborations in missile technology, further enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries,” the media report said citing the diplomat.
Focusing on their shared commitment to enhancing defence capabilities and achieving self-reliance, the growing military cooperation between India and Brazil covers a wide range of defence technologies and strategies. The significance of their cooperation extends beyond bilateral ties while they continue to engage in high-level discussions and exchanges. It contributes to regional stability and underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing common defence challenges. Poised to benefit from their deepening partnership, the future of India-Brazil defence relations looks promising.
