India Seeks Defence Deal with Nigeria, Eyes Export of Tejas Fighter Jets

India and Nigeria are actively engaged in discussions regarding the potential sale of India's indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A. This move underscores India's ambition to increase its defense exports within Africa, opening up new markets while strengthening its global position.

Nigeria's air force currently operates a mix of aging aircraft, such as the Alpha Jet, MiG-21, and F-7. The country also acquired a small number of JF-17 Thunder jets, jointly developed by China and Pakistan, in 2018.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director, CB Ananthakrishnan, believes the Tejas Mk1A could be a strong fit for Nigeria's air force modernization needs. The Tejas Mk1A is a versatile, single-engine fighter jet designed for air defense, reconnaissance, and ground attack missions.

The outcome of these talks remains uncertain, with Nigeria potentially considering other options like the Chinese JF-17. Regardless, this development signifies India's commitment to expanding its defense exports and cultivating stronger ties with African nations.

 

[Funsuk Wangdoo]

First we need to fill our capapibilty! And show and insure the world by using the Tejas at big number by our own army then other nation beileve and buy this! how a nation can buy a jet without caring abt the fact that even manufacturer itself didn't used it "in full condition" but anyway I happy as well india is also competing with global weapon tenders!

 

[Anant]

The Nigerian Air Force, as of today, has 11 Alpha Jets, 9 J-7s, 3 JF-17s, and 12 EMB 314s, besides having 10 L-39 and 6 MB-339 trainers, which can be used for combat. They have 24 M-346 LCAs on order, which are planned to replace the Alpha Jets and J-7s. After this, they would have 27 LCAs and 12 COIN aircraft, besides having 16 dual-role trainers. Nigeria has a theoretical requirement of 60 combat aircraft (5 squadrons of 12 aircraft each), which translates to a procurement of approximately 21 aircraft.

That said, the chances of the Tejas making it through are very remote. The fact remains that the JF-17 acquisition by Nigeria was both from the perspective of testing the aircraft and using them to make up a full squadron between the JF-17s and J-7s. With the J-7s coming up for retirement, it is almost certain Nigeria will go for the JF-17 only. That would give them a fleet of 12 EMB-314 COIN aircraft, 24 M-346s, and 24 JF-17s.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

The Nigerian Air Force, as of today, has 11 Alpha Jets, 9 J-7s, 3 JF-17s, and 12 EMB 314s, besides having 10 L-39 and 6 MB-339 trainers, which can be used for combat. They have 24 M-346 LCAs on order, which are planned to replace the Alpha Jets and J-7s. After this, they would have 27 LCAs and 12 COIN aircraft, besides having 16 dual-role trainers. Nigeria has a theoretical requirement of 60 combat aircraft (5 squadrons of 12 aircraft each), which translates to a procurement of approximately 21 aircraft.

That said, the chances of the Tejas making it through are very remote. The fact remains that the JF-17 acquisition by Nigeria was both from the perspective of testing the aircraft and using them to make up a full squadron between the JF-17s and J-7s. With the J-7s coming up for retirement, it is almost certain Nigeria will go for the JF-17 only. That would give them a fleet of 12 EMB-314 COIN aircraft, 24 M-346s, and 24 JF-17s.

Nigeria has major grievances against JF-17 so follow-up orders are a suspect.

The reason I believe that HAL is going gung-ho about export potential of the Tejas is because export would increase the order book for HAL which translates into increased demand for parts such as GE-F404 and puts HAL in a better position to negotiate supply chain with vendors in terms of price as well as inventory.

Hope the guys at HAL know how to playing their cards well, as this is a game two can play.

 

[Anant]

Nigeria has major grievances against JF-17 so follow-up orders are a suspect.

The reason I believe that HAL is going gung-ho about export potential of the Tejas is because export would increase the order book for HAL which translates into increased demand for parts such as GE-F404 and puts HAL in a better position to negotiate supply chain with vendors in terms of price as well as inventory.

Hope the guys at HAL know how to playing their cards well, as this is a game two can play.

True, and I had not considered the JF-17 grievances. Oh well. If Nigeria can negotiate for the return or sale of those three JF-17s, that leaves the door open for 24 fighters to be procured for them.

 

[Pramkumar]

Tejash with Kaveri engine should be marketed instead of GE-404

 

[Anant]

Tejash with Kaveri engine should be marketed instead of GE-404

As it is, people aren't buying the Tejas. Advertise it with the Kaveri (an untested engine for which an afterburner section hasn't been integrated), and it won't even clear the preliminary evaluation for potential customers.

 

[nakul1307]

JF17 and Tejas flying together. That will generate serious Intel...

 

[SuvarPakisareHomos]

khud ke liye planes nahin hair...aur dusre ko bechenge?