Brazil and Turkey: The Future of Joint Defense and Aircraft Production

Turkey and Brazil have expanded their strategic defense and aviation cooperation through a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding signed during the 15th edition of the LAAD 2025 defense exhibition in Rio de Janeiro in April 2025.

The cooperation involves joint efforts in the development and production of missile systems, aviation engines, and commercial aircraft. These agreements are intended to help both nations overcome security threats and increase their respective shares of the global military and aviation sales markets.

Aviation and Aircraft Production

On April 1, 2025, Turkish Aerospace (TUSAŞ) and Brazil’s Embraer signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore industrial collaboration. A primary focus of this agreement is the potential production of Embraer’s E2 commercial jets within Turkey, specifically the E190-E2 and E195-E2 models.

The MoU highlights the capabilities of TUSAŞ in several technical areas, including:

• Fuelage assembly
• Composite and metallic structures
• Painting and flight testing
• Engineering cooperation, technology transfer, and research and development

The signing ceremony was attended by Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, Turkey’s Deputy Industry and Technology Minister Muhammet Kasım Gönüllü, Francisco Gomes Neto, CEO of Embraer, and Mustafa Gürsoy, executive vice president of Turkish Aerospace.

Defense Systems and Engine Exports

Beyond commercial aviation, the two countries have established cooperation programs focused on missile and aviation engines. As part of this growing trade relationship, Turkey achieved its first-ever jet engine export to Brazil with the delivery of the KTJ-3200 Turbojet.

The defense industry partnership is viewed by both nations as a means to consolidate political and strategic relations. This alignment occurs as Turkey pursues efforts to join BRICS and as both countries navigate current geopolitical challenges.

Global Market Trends and Export Growth

The collaboration between Turkey and Brazil reflects a broader trend of emerging defense exporters gaining ground in international markets, including Europe. According to a study by the Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique, defense firms from Turkey, Brazil, and South Korea have achieved notable success in Europe over the last four years, accelerated by European rearmament following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Data indicates a significant surge in the volume of arms exports between 2020 and 2025 for these three nations:

• South Korea: Eightfold increase
• Turkey: Fivefold increase
• Brazil: Fourfold increase

This growth demonstrates the national ambitions of these countries to establish firm footholds in expanding global defense markets through strategic partnerships and the export of advanced military technology.