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.