Aviation

Malysian Airforce may purchase Tejas MK1 with this condition.

The indigenously developed Indian fighter jet is being outfitted for export. It recently participated in airshows in Sri Lanka, Dubai, and Singapore, where it displayed an amazing air performance. As it completes its Tejas Mark 1 version functioning model, it is now searching for an international customer. It is now being developed into aircraft with various sorts of armament systems.

However, only a few nations provide HAL customization for the equipment supplier. As a result, the Malaysian Air Force has been urged to replace Israeli-made missiles with Indian or European-made missiles.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is the manufacturer. According to a reliable source, Tejas will be delivered to Malaysia’s FLIT-LCA programme without the Israeli-made Elta ELM-2032 multimode radar or any other Israeli equipment, as most of the systems would be replaced with French or Indian systems depending on customer requirements. Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country, does not recognise the existence of Israel.

As Chinese JF 17 is kicked out of the race already. India’s Tejas to offer Malaysia with France and Indian Made defense system will exclude the Israeli origin component as per the Malaysian Request.

The Tejas (single-seat) aircraft has been offered to the Royal Malaysian Air Force, together with the Uttam AESA Fire Control Radar, Head-up Display (HUD) unit, and Damocles targeting pod, as well as the DRDO-developed Helmet Mounted Display and Sight (HMDS).

The Royal Malaysian Air Force needs 18 planes to replace its inventory of BAE Systems Hawk 108 trainers and Hawk 208 light-attack jets. Eight of these platforms will be utilised primarily for lead-in-fighter training, with the remaining ten being Light Combat Jets, according to the RMAF. The RMAF plans to purchase 36 LCA/FLIT systems in two phases, with 18 planes arriving in 2021 and the rest in 2025.

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In February 2021, at a ceremony in Bengaluru, HAL signed a $6.58 billion contract to deliver 73 new Tejas Mk1A LCA jets and 10 new Tejas Mk1 two-seat training jets to the IAF.

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Aviation

Egypt has signed an agreement with China to purchase J-10C fighter jets

Egypt has become the second country, after Pakistan, to order China’s Chengdu J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets, marking a significant shift in its military strategy.

The announcement, made during the inaugural Egypt International Air Show from September 3 to 5 at El Alamein International Airport, reveals Egypt’s intent to replace its aging fleet of U.S. F-16s.

The J-10C, a highly capable 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet, was showcased by China for the first time on African soil during the air show. It features advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, making it a formidable alternative to Egypt’s current fleet.

Known for its air superiority missions, the J-10C has often been compared to the American F-16, which has been the backbone of the Egyptian Air Force since the 1980s.

However, with Egypt’s F-16s now considered outdated against modern air defense systems, the decision to transition to the Chinese fighters underscores a major upgrade in Egypt’s combat capabilities.

This move not only signals Egypt’s intent to reduce its reliance on U.S. defense systems but also reflects a broader shift in its international alliances.

Despite a long-standing defense relationship with the U.S., evidenced by a recent acquisition of C-130J Hercules transport aircraft through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, Egypt is clearly looking eastward.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over U.S. policies in the Middle East, including its stance on Israeli operations in Gaza, which may have influenced Cairo’s pivot to Chinese military technology.

China’s increasing presence in the Middle East and North Africa is bolstered by such deals, as Beijing continues to expand its influence through military cooperation and economic partnerships, particularly in energy imports.

The Egypt International Air Show provided a platform for showcasing this growing military-industrial relationship.