The Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), CB Ananthakrishnan, said that the company is in talks with few countries like Nigeria, Philippines, Argentina and Egypt to export its indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
On how India will proceed with the supply of the LCA Tejas jets to Argentina if the procurement fructifies as the aircraft has some components sourced from the United Kingdom (UK), the Chairman of HAL said a way would be found out in such a scenario.
Notably, after the 1982 Falklands War, the UK imposed an embargo on military sales to Argentina and especially prevented supply of hardware manufactured by it.
In view of the British restrictions, it is perceived that supply of military hardware comprising components sourced from the UK may not be easy for India.
In July, the Argentine defence minister visited India with a focus on enhancing defence industrial partnership.
The HAL had inked an agreement with the Argentinian Air Force to provide spares and services its two-tonne class helicopters.
Also, worth mentioning that the defence ties between India and the Philippines have been on an upswing in the last few years.
In January, the Philippines concluded a USD 375 million deal with India for the procurement of three batteries of the BrahMos cruise missile.
About Light Combat Aircraft Tejas
Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is a 4.5 generation, all weather and multi-role fighter aircraft designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency in collaboration with Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) of HAL for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy
The aircraft is designed to be a multi-role aircraft capable of taking up offensive air support, close combat and ground attack role at ease.
Further, it is also designed to undertake Ground Maritime Operations. The different variants of aircraft under production and development are:
- Single seater fighter for Air Force
- Single seater fighter for Navy
- Twin Seater trainer aircraft for Air Force
- Twin Seater trainer version for Navy
Source: https://hal-india.co.in/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=20
