Nigeria and Botswana Reportedly Back Out of Indian Tejas Acquisition Talks, Citing HAL's Capacity Concerns Amid IAF Delivery Delays

In an unexpected development, both Nigeria and Botswana have reportedly withdrawn from negotiations with India for the purchase of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. This setback could potentially hinder Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and India's aspirations to expand its defence export market.

Nigeria's interest in the Tejas was viewed as a key part of its air force modernization efforts. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been actively seeking to replace its aging fleet and enhance its combat capabilities to address ongoing security challenges such as insurgency and piracy. The Tejas was considered a strong contender, but recent reports suggest Nigeria has opted not to proceed with the acquisition.

Similarly, Botswana had expressed interest in the Tejas to replace its aging CF-5A and CF-5D jets. The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) had evaluated several options, including the Swedish Gripen and South Korean FA-50, alongside the Tejas.

While the specific reasons for Nigeria and Botswana's withdrawal remain unclear, industry analysts suggest that concerns over HAL's production capacity and its ability to deliver the aircraft within a reasonable timeframe may have played a role.

HAL has been facing delays in meeting the Indian Air Force's (IAF) own Tejas orders, which may have raised doubts about its ability to fulfill export orders promptly.

With these international sales faltering, HAL might now prioritize fulfilling the IAF's requirements for fleet modernization. This situation highlights the challenges faced by Indian defence manufacturers in balancing domestic demands with export ambitions.

To successfully compete in the global defence market, HAL will need to address production capacity constraints and demonstrate its ability to deliver on its commitments in a timely manner.

 

[Bhishma]

Set right HAL, everything will go smoothly.

No, it won't. You are not addressing the root problem. We have developed a culture of foreign imports. Big money is involved. Nobody is willing to break this system. Take a look at the top 10 FDI sources for India.

The top sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) for India in 2023-24 are:

• Singapore: The largest source of FDI in India, contributing $11.77 billion
• Mauritius: The second-largest source of FDI in India, contributing $7.97 billion
• United States: The third-largest source of FDI in India, contributing $4.99 billion
• Netherlands: Contributed $4.93 billion
• Japan: Contributed $3.17 billion
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Contributed $2.9 billion
• United Kingdom (UK): Contributed $1.2 billion
• Cyprus: Contributed $806 million
• Germany: Contributed $505 million
• Cayman Islands: Contributed $342 million

Why are tiny countries like Singapore, Mauritius, Netherlands, Cyprus, Cayman Islands investing so much in India? Mauritius and Singapore invest more than the #1 economy in the world. Does it make any logical sense? So no, fixing HAL is not going to fix it. As of today, there is zero accountability. Saab can come and tell us that they can coexist with Tejas 2. That we still have to buy foreign equipment even if there is zero value add. Nobody raises an eyebrow.

 

[Bhishma]

Tejas needs Kaveri. Once the integration is done, package it with Brahmos/Astra/Rudram. It will be a killer deal. The key to the whole thing is Kaveri. We also need to have a creative organizational setup. Use the Brahmos Aerospace model — let 49% be held by private corps such as Tata/L&T, 51% held by the government. The private players will bring efficiency. Government stake will ensure national security. This is the way forward.

 

[Jay]

Bottom line, you can't make world-class products by political propaganda and riding piggyback on partisan media.

The PSUs are manned almost 50% by employees who get in via quota/reservation and not by merit!

So how can we expect cutting-edge technologies from such entities?

Meritocracy needs to be promoted by educated leadership.

 

[Muthukumar Ponnambalam]

Obviously, they WILL halt, why wouldn't they?

HAL has a history of riding on Western shoulders and can't make one - JUST ONE - high-tech product by itself.

Why buy from India when they can buy directly from the West?

Malaysia rejected HAL and went ahead with Korea, even after India stooped down by saying they would buy more palm oil and set up an MRO facility there.

Moreover, HAL has NEVER fulfilled its orders on time and has a long history of delays, miserably failing to give confidence and earn trust as a technological partner.

Korea and Turkey have already emerged. I won't be surprised if even Pakistan emerges as a jet manufacturer with China's help.

So, TEJAS can NEVER get any international orders while much more advanced versions are available.

Instead of humiliating ourselves more, India should shut down HAL and DRDO and become consumers of foreign defence companies. Who are these companies trying to kid?

And I'm still not sure who decided to grant them "Maharatna" status.

 

[Omad Er]

For Nigeria, when they already have light-ish combat jets in form of the M-346FA and JF-17, going for the Tejas made absolutely no sense, not to mention they are purchasing a few more second hand Alpha Jets.

JF-17 is outdated, cheap Chinese knockoff stuff originally made in China. Its original name is FC-1 Xiaolong. Pakistan bought it and renamed it.

 

[Military Maven]

It would be more credible to demonstrate the effectiveness of your expertise within your own military before offering it to others. It seems counterintuitive to focus on selling to others without first proving its value domestically. Additionally, it's not just China influencing these restrictions; the USA and Europe collectively play a role in limiting such sales.

 

[Instant Karma]

Chinese have made huge amount of investments in all African countries in infrastructure and other sectors. No chances of India getting any orders from African countries.

So blame china, not HAL?

 

[Sanca]

Chinese have made huge amount of investments in all African countries in infrastructure and other sectors. No chances of India getting any orders from African countries.

Actually India competed with China for infantry fighting vehicles and India not only won, but Morocco asked India to set up weapons factories in the country. Of course this is impossible for most commenters here, because they claim China is 20 years ahead. Let's hope these countries buy JF-17's so they will be back in a few years.