SOURCE: AFI
An Egyptian delegation recently toured the facilities of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to inspect the Tejas Mk1A production line. This visit suggests that Egypt is seriously considering purchasing the Indian-made light combat aircraft to bolster its air defense capabilities.
While Egypt currently operates a mix of French Rafale and older F-16 fighter jets, the limited range of their air-to-air missiles due to lack of latest AMRAAM and Meteor has prompted the country to explore alternative options. India’s Tejas, armed with advanced weaponry, appears to be a promising candidate.
A potential sale of the Tejas to Egypt could also include the establishment of a maintenance, research, and overhaul (MRO) facility in the African nation. This would not only ensure efficient maintenance of the aircraft but also create opportunities for economic cooperation and technology transfer between the two countries.
The Tejas, a single-engine, multirole light combat aircraft, has been developed by HAL and is currently in service with the Indian Air Force. Its advanced capabilities and competitive pricing make it an attractive option for foreign buyers. If Egypt decides to acquire the Tejas, it would mark a significant milestone in Indian defense exports and further strengthen its strategic partnerships in the region.