In an important visit to India recently, General Heraldo Luiz Rodrigues, Secretary of Defence Products (SEPROD) of Brazil, set the stage for a deeper defence partnership between the two nations. The discussions in New Delhi with top officials in the Ministry of Defence and three services covered everything from submarine maintenance to cutting-edge missile systems, with a focus on cooperation that goes beyond just buying and selling equipment.
Brazil is set to sign an MoU for submarine MRO next month, a move that could change the game for India’s naval defence. The deal will allow India to maintain its `Scorpene’ submarines locally, boosting self-reliance in an area that has long depended on foreign expertise. The partnership will open the door for Brazil to share its wealth of knowledge in submarine maintenance, something that could help India modernize and strengthen its naval capabilities.
In 2022, Brazilian Navy delegation, led by Vice Admiral Liberal Enio Zanelatto had visited the Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, where the ‘Scorpene’ class submarines were being constructed. The delegation had inspected an Indian Navy Kalvari (Scorpene) class submarine. This visit had resulted in discussion related to submarine technology, defence and security cooperation, and also the shared maritime interests of both nations. Following this visit then, the Brazilian side had expressed interest in collaborating with India for the maintenance of their Scorpene-class submarines.
And the two countries discussed building of frigates jointly for the Brazilian Navy, with India being shortlisted as a candidate for this project.
In an exclusive conversation with FinancialExpress.com, Gen Rodrigues stated that while Brazil is not interested in India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), it is looking at Akash a surface-to-air missile system developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and BrahMos missiles a joint India-Russian venture — cutting-edge systems that could give Brazil a significant boost in air defence. The focus, according to him, is on acquiring systems that protect aircraft, rather than procuring new fighter jets.
It has been reported previously by FinancialExpress.com that BEL is setting up its office in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Also, India and Brazil are eyeing joint development in several military platforms, potentially including aircraft, missile systems, and even ships. As reported previously by FinancialExpress.com, this will not only help both nations enhance their defence capabilities but also create opportunities for indigenous manufacturing, a goal both countries are working towards.
The two sides also talked about Embraer’s C-390 aircraft, which is being considered for Indian Air Force’s (IAF) future transport aircraft needs. FinancialExpress.com has reported previously, the C-390 is a versatile, state-of-the-art aircraft that could greatly enhance the logistical capabilities of IAF.
IAF has a requirement of around 80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) and Embraer has pitched its C390. It has been reported previously that the South American aerospace company Embraer has tied up with Mahindra Aerospace to enter the Indian defence market.
During their visit to Aero India 2025, the Brazilian delegation had the chance to explore BrahMos, the supersonic missile system. Dr Jaiteerth R Joshi, CEO & MD of BrahMos, and other senior officials briefed the delegation on the missile’s impressive capabilities. BrahMos is already a cornerstone of Indo-Russian military cooperation, and with Brazil’s growing interest, it could become a key component of Brazil’s defence strategy as well.