Aviation

Argentina asked India to remove the uk parts from Tejas

The LCA Tejas Aircraft Crash: Understanding the Reasons - Air Marshal GS Bedi's Perspective

Argentina’s defense minister is negotiating with India to purchase Tejas fighter jets in an effort to strengthen his country’s defensive capabilities.

The minister stated that Argentinian pilots had tested Tejas but cited difficulties with the use of British components. for instance, that the aircraft cannot include a single British component since the British do not sell it to Argentina. As a result, 16 of Tejas’ parts are from the UK. Therefore, India has to modify, and replace the components.

Boeing is pushing Air India to purchase the 737 MAX, which was built for a Chinese carrier.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Despite grappling with an economic crisis, Argentina is resolute in fortifying its armed forces, four decades after the heartrending Falklands War. The nation’s defeat at the hands of the United Kingdom (UK) in 1982 has left an indelible mark on Argentina’s collective memory.

In recent years, Argentina has been keen on procuring fighter jets and helicopters, but the UK has persistently presented obstacles. Following the Falklands War, the UK imposed a comprehensive ban on selling weapons and military hardware to Argentina, extending even to any equipment containing British-origin spare parts, radar, or avionics.

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This ban has hindered Argentina’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities and left the country in search of alternatives. Nevertheless, Argentina remains determined to overcome these challenges and forge ahead in securing the necessary military assets for its defense.

In light of these challenges, Argentina has turned its attention to India’s Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet, hoping to break free from the shackles imposed by the UK’s embargo. Defense Minister Jorge Enrique Taiana’s visit to India marks a significant step in the pursuit of an important defense partnership. During his four-day visit, Minister Taiana held discussions with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to explore avenues for expanding defense cooperation and forging a defense industrial partnership.

Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet is India’s indigenously developed state-of-the-art aircraft, widely acknowledged for its cutting-edge technology and exceptional combat capabilities. The lightweight, supersonic fighter jet boasts advanced avionics, smart weapons systems, and superior maneuverability, making it an ideal choice for modern air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements. By incorporating the Tejas Mark 1A into its air force, Argentina aims to strengthen its aerial defense and gain a competitive edge in the region.

Argentina is wrapping up the purchase of the LCH Prachand Helicopter and the Indian-built Tejas Mark 1 fighter.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Argentina’s procurement of the Tejas fighter jet holds significant importance for India’s defense sector. By becoming an international customer to India, Argentina’s interest in the advanced Tejas aircraft highlights the growing reputation of Indian defense technology in the global market. This potential deal not only strengthens bilateral defense ties between the two nations but also showcases India’s prowess as a reliable supplier of state-of-the-art military equipment.

Aviation

Why Elon Musk Believes the F-35 Stealth Jet Is Obsolete – Here’s Why

Elon Musk, the tech billionaire known for his innovative thinking, has set his sights on the U.S. Air Force’s F-35 fighter jets, calling them “obsolete” and unfit for modern warfare.

In a series of posts on his social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Musk has argued that fighter jets, particularly the F-35, are outdated in an era dominated by drones and AI-driven combat systems. His remarks, which have ignited intense debate, suggest that the U.S. military should shift focus toward low-cost, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) rather than continuing to invest in expensive, manned jets.

Musk’s blunt criticism, which led to a 3% drop in Lockheed Martin’s stock, isn’t just a swipe at one military program—it’s part of his broader vision for the future of warfare. According to Musk, drones are the way forward, offering cost-effective, flexible, and increasingly autonomous platforms that can outperform traditional fighter jets in modern combat scenarios.

Drones: The Future of Warfare

Musk has consistently championed the development of remote-piloted combat systems over traditional fighter jets, claiming that the days of manned aircraft are numbered. He highlights the rise of drone warfare as a pivotal shift in military strategy.

Drones, Musk believes, not only offer a more cost-effective approach to air combat, but they also allow for greater speed in innovation. His argument is simple—drones are cheaper, safer, and capable of performing coordinated missions with minimal human oversight.

In contrast to the F-35’s $80 million price tag, small drones used in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 each. Musk suggests that, given the escalating costs and complexity of traditional fighter jets, drones provide a much better return on investment. By removing the human element, drones eliminate the risks faced by pilots and allow for large-scale, swarming operations that can overwhelm traditional defense systems.

The F-35 program, one of the most ambitious and costly military projects in history, has long been a target for criticism. Designed as a multi-role stealth fighter, the F-35 was intended to meet a wide range of military needs, from air-to-air combat to precision strikes.

However, the program has been plagued by cost overruns, delays, and technical challenges. Despite these setbacks, the F-35 remains a cornerstone of the U.S. and allied air forces, largely due to its advanced stealth technology, sensors, and interoperability with other defense systems.

Critics, however, argue that the F-35 is over-designed to meet too many requirements, making it an unnecessarily complex and expensive system.

Musk’s Vision for the Future

Musk’s call to replace piloted fighter jets with AI-driven drones isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about rethinking the way we approach air combat. With the growing role of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in conflicts around the world, from reconnaissance to precision strikes, it’s clear that the battlefield is evolving. Drones have already proven their value, offering flexible, highly adaptable solutions that are reshaping military operations.