SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian light combat aircraft, Tejas, seems to have hit a roadblock in its potential export to Botswana. Discussions between Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) regarding the Tejas fighter jet’s acquisition, which emerged during the 2023 Aero India show in Bengaluru, have reportedly stalled.
The BDF has been actively seeking replacements for its aging fleet of 10 CF-5A and three CF-5D fighter aircraft and fighter trainers. However, their search hasn’t yielded any concrete results. Talks with other potential suppliers, including South Korea for the FA-50 and Sweden for the Saab JAS-39 Gripen, have also failed to progress in Past.
Nigeria, another potential African buyer, has also decided against the Tejas. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), which already operates a fleet of 24 MB-339 light attack aircraft procured from Leonardo, has opted to stay with the M-346 fighter trainer/light attack aircraft for its future needs. This decision comes after initial inquiries about the Tejas Mk1A.
The lack of progress in talks with both Botswana and Nigeria casts a shadow on the Tejas’ export aspirations. While the fighter jet has garnered domestic interest within the Indian Air Force, securing international sales remains a challenge, since most of talks with potential buyers have dried downed or dead.
Talks with Argentina, Malaysia and Egypt have collapsed after three countries opted to procure other jets. from Established players in Market like Used F-16s, Gripen and FA-50 that continue to hold an edge due to their longer operational history and wider user base. Initial Luke Warm response from IAF and slower adoption of the jets in the IAF meant that many countries are wary of operating them due to forever being work in progress since its first flight in 2001.
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