Aviation

India plans to build HAL Tejas fighter jet manufacturing line in Egypt.

According to reliable sources who spoke to Daily News Egypt, India has offered to set up production and manufacturing facilities in Egypt for Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft (LCA) and helicopters. India is currently looking for export potential in the MENA region.

The sources confirmed media reports in India that a number of high-level engagements with Egypt had taken place.
They stated that India will exhibit its ability in manufacturing and fleet maintenance when the commander of the Egyptian Air Force visits in a few days. Marshal VR Chowdhury, the commander of the Indian Air Force, travelled to Egypt in November of last year and attended the Cairo Air Force Symposium and Defense Exhibition.

Egypt has received an offer from India to establish production and manufacturing facilities for Currently, a 57-member delegation from the Indian Air Force is studying in Egypt as part of the Air Force School in Cairo’s Tactical Command Program. According to the sources, who are knowledgeable about the ongoing negotiations, the Egyptian Air Force need about 70 light combat aircraft, with a focus on local production and technology transfer.

Egypt has been eager to create aviation manufacturing facilities and now operates a mixed fleet of American, French, and Russian aircraft. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has launched its lineup of indigenous helicopters, including the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Light Combat Helicopters, in addition to providing Egypt with the Tejas Mk1A Light Aircraft (LCA) (LCH).

The IAF ordered 83 fighter jets of the Mk1A type, resulting in economies of scale that allowed the Indian LCA to be produced at a price of roughly $42 million per unit. According to reports, India has emerged as the front-runner for Malaysia’s need for light combat aircraft. A package agreement is on the table that would include maintenance and spare parts for the country’s Su 30 fighter jets which are organs of Russia.

Aviation

Boeing Faces New Setbacks as 777X Delays Extend and scraps B767-300F

Boeing’s challenges continue as employees halted production due to a strike, creating new obstacles for delivering aircraft to customers. The company now faces financial losses from delays in the delivery of its boeing 777x aircraft.

Boeing recently announced that the new delivery date for the 777-9 will be in 2026, with the freighter variant scheduled for 2028. This news has been frustrating for airlines that have committed to and are waiting for the aircraft.

Mega Comparison of Boeing 777x vs A350-1000 Aircraft

The Boeing 777X program, which began in early 2019, was initially delayed to 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. Subsequent issues, including defects found during testing, have placed the program under scrutiny by the FAA, which insists on the aircraft meeting all safety standards before entering service. Boeing is now facing pressure from both airlines and investors.

Boeing 777x Delay

New Commercial Airplanes expects to incur pre-tax charges of $3.0 billion related to the Boeing 777X and 767 programs.

The company forecasts a $2.6 billion pre-tax charge due to the updated timeline, which accounts for delays in flight testing for the 777-9 and the impact of the IAM (International Association of Machinists) work stoppage. The first 777-9 delivery is now expected in 2026, with the 777-8 freighter following in 2028.

Exploring the Boeing 777x: Highlights from the Debut at …

In addition, Boeing plans to conclude production of the 767 freighter, resulting in a $0.4 billion pre-tax charge. From 2027 onwards, the company will solely produce the 767-2C aircraft for the KC-46A Tanker program.

In August 2024, Boeing grounded its 777X test fleet after detecting a failure in a key engine mounting structure during a routine inspection. The new boeing 777x, powered by the GE9X engine, is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, but this issue has caused further setbacks.

Boeing 777x, A close-up of the engine, landing gear, and wing

Comparison of 777x vs A350

Meanwhile, the Airbus A350 continues to secure new orders from airlines, becoming a strong competitor in the wide-body aircraft segment. While the a350 vs b777 offer similar ranges, the 777X is designed to carry a heavier payload.

In other developments, Boeing has hinted at starting production of a new mid-sized aircraft, the Boeing 797, which would likely compete with the Airbus A321 XLR.