DR Congo Eyes India's Tejas Mk1 Jet to Replace Aging Su-25 and MiG-23 Fleet Amid Regional Tensions and Modernization Drive

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is looking to bolster its air force capabilities amidst rising regional tensions and a push for military modernization. The DRC Air Force (FAC) has set its sights on India's Tejas Mk1 multi-role fighter jet as a potential replacement for its aging fleet of Soviet-era Sukhoi Su-25s and MiG-23s.

This interest was solidified in August when a high-level FAC delegation visited New Delhi to discuss the possible acquisition of the Tejas. The delegation, which included the Congolese air force chief, engaged in detailed discussions with representatives from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas. The talks focused on the technical specifications and capabilities of the Tejas Mk1 and its suitability as a long-term solution for the FAC's needs.

The DRC faces a complex security environment, with ongoing conflicts between government forces and armed groups in the eastern part of the country. Adding to the complexity, the United Nations has reported that Uganda is supporting M23 rebels operating in eastern DRC, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict. Further exacerbating tensions, Rwanda has been accused of providing military support, including surface-to-air missiles, to the M23 rebels. In a notable incident last year, Rwanda shot down a DRC Su-25 that allegedly violated its airspace.

The Tejas Mk1, with its advanced avionics, multi-role capabilities, and affordability, presents an attractive option for the FAC. India's commitment to providing maintenance and support further enhances the appeal of the Tejas. This potential deal aligns with India's broader strategy to expand its presence in the global arms market, particularly in Africa, where it aims to offer cost-effective defence solutions.

However, despite India's ambitions and the apparent interest from African nations, progress has been slow. More than a year has passed since initial discussions began, and no concrete deals have been finalized. Furthermore, India's own Air Force facing significant delay in Tejas Mk1A induction.

Despite these challenges, the DRC's interest in the Tejas highlights the growing appeal of India's indigenous defence industry. Should the deal materialize, it could mark a significant step in the modernization of the FAC and signal India's growing influence in the African defence market. This development also coincides with reports that Botswana is also in talks with HAL to acquire Tejas fighter jets, indicating a potential surge in interest for the Indian-made aircraft.

 

[Anant]

IF (and this is a massive, massive IF), the DRC's Air Force does decide on the Tejas, how exactly do we propose to deliver them on time, given the truly exemplary record that HAL has demonstrated thus far?

P.S. The order size would also be very small. They operate a grand total of 2 MiG-23s and 6 Su-25s, which translates to eight replacement aircraft at best.

 

[Neal.B]

They gonna choose JF17 because of the Chinese interest in the region.

 

[CCPSmasher]

Unfortunatly due to icompetence and legendary dateline keeping disciplines of HAL, Chinese or Korean will eventually win the this deal as well.

 

[Yikes]

IF (and this is a massive, massive IF), the DRC's Air Force does decide on the Tejas, how exactly do we propose to deliver them on time, given the truly exemplary record that HAL has demonstrated thus far?

P.S. The order size would also be very small. They operate a grand total of 2 MiG-23s and 6 Su-25s, which translates to eight replacement aircraft at best.

Yapping as usual, y'all complain about literally everything ffs 🤦

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

IF (and this is a massive, massive IF), the DRC's Air Force does decide on the Tejas, how exactly do we propose to deliver them on time, given the truly exemplary record that HAL has demonstrated thus far?

P.S. The order size would also be very small. They operate a grand total of 2 MiG-23s and 6 Su-25s, which translates to eight replacement aircraft at best.

The order size may be small, but it will at least open the gates for tejas. Getting first order is most difficult. Same is true for rafale. It got first order very late, but then orders kept on coming

 

[NSR]

All of 83 plus 97 TEjas IA orders by IAF will take almost 7 to 10 years.
Wishful and impossible thinking about exports.

 

[Anant]

Yapping as usual, y'all complain about literally everything ffs 🤦

Have a counter to that point? Or are you commenting for the sake of it?

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

Frogfoot has 2 engines each with thrust 44kn similar to f404 with 48kn. Could those engines be used to fly the lca? Congo could send the su 25 that they are scrapping anyway.

 

[Anant]

The order size may be small, but it will at least open the gates for tejas. Getting first order is most difficult. Same is true for rafale. It got first order very late, but then orders kept on coming

Agreed, but given our own delays with the Tejas, our export prospects are dented very badly.

 

[sunilanalysis]

make sure they dont hand over secrets to pak or china from the fighter jet

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Agreed, but given our own delays with the Tejas, our export prospects are dented very badly.

HAL has secure export orders for prachand from nigeria. Maybe, they learnt something, eg. How to deal with african market, pay bribes to right people etc. Earlier, african countries used chinese or russian products. With pressure from US and europe, maybe they are moving away from them. India has good opportunity to fill the vaccuum. Morocco is also good example.

Oman is going to buy indian stuff too. Exports are really looking promising. Exports is the greatest condition for developing domestic arms industry.

 

[amerjit johal]

DRC is a massive country.
I don't see how a single engine Tejas with limited range
will meet their requirements.

 

[Anant]

Frogfoot has 2 engines each with thrust 44kn similar to f404 with 48kn. Could those engines be used to fly the lca? Congo could send the su 25 that they are scrapping anyway.

Repeating my question, in case you missed it. Let's suppose we do scavenge the DRC's Su-25s. We now have 15-ish engines. Now what? What would you want from these?

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

Repeating my question, in case you missed it. Let's suppose we do scavenge the DRC's Su-25s. We now have 15-ish engines. Now what? What would you want from these?

Attach to each LCA and try tob fly it. Under current situation,I don't see it will fly before the next war starts.

 

[suleimanhaq]

Where will the engines come from? Better go for a proven platform like JF 17, F 35 or Rafale.

 

[Anant]

Attach to each LCA and try tob fly it. Under current situation,I don't see it will fly before the next war starts.

Yeah... doesn't work that way. The engines have different dimensions, which means a redesign of the aircraft. Moreover, if you replace the engine, you need to conduct an entire set of trials again. At that point, you may as well wait for the F404. That'd be faster.

 

[Pramkumar]

HAL should make one or two MK1 with Kaveri engine and project in the world for export potentials.

 

[Anant]

Where will the engines come from? Better go for a proven platform like JF 17, F 35 or Rafale.

F-35s or Rafales to the DRC? Um, no offence meant to them, but they have neither the financial nor the technical acumen to operate either of those types.