Asia

Indian-built Tejas Fighter Jet & Dhruv Helicopter to be displayed at Dubai Airshow 2023.

Tejas aircraft, ALH Dhruv to participate in Dubai airshow

India’s cutting-edge light helicopter Dhruv and light combat aircraft Tejas will take part in the biennial Dubai Airshow, which is set to take place from November 13 to November 17.

According to officials on Wednesday, the two platforms are a part of the Indian Air Force’s deployment at the prestigious event. According to an official statement, “an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has landed at the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai to participate in the biennial Dubai Airshow.”

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has landed at the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai for participation in the biennial Dubai Airshow, scheduled from 13 to 17 November 2023. The IAF contingent comprises two indigenous platforms – the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas… pic.twitter.com/laSAwH8DfH
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2023

“The IAF contingent comprises two indigenous platforms – the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv,” stated the statement. The Sarang Helicopter Team will be showing off their formation aerobatics talents during the airshow, while the Tejas will be featured in both the static and aerial presentations.

India and the UAE have a strategic connection in terms of diplomacy. With the US, UAE, and Israel, India is a member of the “new QUAD,” or I2U2, which focuses on improving digital infrastructure, connectivity, and marine security.

The IAF further cemented ties between the two countries in 2020 when it used the UAE’s Al Dhafra air base as a critical layover point when transporting Rafale fighter planes from France.

Source

Aerospace

India is in talks with Nigeria regarding the export of its single-engine Tejas and Prachand helicopter

Philippines in Talks to Procure India's LCH Prachand Helicopter

India is actively exploring its defense market and making audacious moves to establish itself as a significant player in targeting the African defense market to sell Tejas and Prachand.

According to the sources, Nigeria, in negotiations to purchase Indian aircraft such as the LCA Tejas and LCH Prachand, has recently opted to acquire the M-346FA light fighter-trainer aircraft from Italy. This decision comes after expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of the JF-17 Thunder jets, signaling a shift away from acquiring additional JF-17s.

How will be the Tejas Mark 2 compared to the F-16 block 50/52?

India is actively challenging Russia and China’s long-standing dominance in Africa, focusing on the lucrative market. While the India-Nigeria connection is longstanding, it’s rapidly evolving. In the fiscal year 2021-22, India emerged as Nigeria’s largest trading partner.

In March 2024, India intensified efforts to explore potential exports. A defense industry delegation visited Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, signaling India’s interest in exporting its single-engine Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

Building the LCA Tejas Mark 2 prototype could take longer than expected.

Recent reports suggest Nigeria is considering acquiring 15 fighter jets to replace its aging Chengdu F-7NI fleet, with India emerging as a leading supplier, proposing its indigenous Tejas fighter jet.

The HAL Tejas is an advanced Indian multirole combat aircraft featuring a delta wing design, produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It serves as a pivotal asset for air defense, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions, tailored to excel in high-threat scenarios. With nearly 40 initial variants already inducted, the Tejas stands as a cornerstone of the IAF’s operational capabilities.

Comparison of the Tejas Mark1 vs korean T-50 Golden eagle

Previously, Nigeria had explored Indian-built options such as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand,’ Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) ‘Dhruv.’

The Prachand helicopter, designed for battlefield deployment as an attack helicopter, stands out with its advanced weaponry and avionics. Positioned to compete with helicopters like the Apache, Turkish T129, and the European Tiger, Prachand emphasizes India’s capability to produce unique and technologically advanced military assets.

Beyond military hardware, India’s strategic move includes establishing a local currency settlement system with Nigeria, a development of notable economic significance forged in May 2024.