Several nations—Nigeria, Philippines, Argentina, and Egypt—expressed interest in procuring India s Tejas Light Combat aircraft. Talks are ongoing, although challenges arise due to UK-sourced components in the aircraft. Amid UK-Argentina tensions, supplying such hardware might pose difficulties. India explores solutions while enhancing defense ties, seen in deals like the Philippines BrahMos missile procurement. The Tejas, a versatile fighter jet, serves various roles for the Indian Air Force, with ongoing procurement plans for more units.
These proposals are worth Rs 1.6 lakh crore and are indigenous projects, according to the official statement. HAL is the domestic supplier of Tejas and Prachanda aircraft.
India is eager to join the exclusive club of countries who build and export fighter jets with the hope of consolidating strategic ties with buyer countries. India has been trying to pitch the Tejas, its indigenously built light-combat aircraft, to countries such as Argentina and Egypt. Its efforts to export fighter jets are aimed at trying to counter China s influence, and fighter jet deals are often marked by a characteristic secrecy since the aircraft is customised according to the buyer s special needs.