The Forgotten Story: When China and India Considered to Build LCA Tejas Together in 2004

The recent resurfacing of a 2004 Flight International article has ignited renewed curiosity about a little-known chapter in the history of India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program.

The article, authored by Veena Singh, reveals that China and India were in discussions to collaborate on the LCA – a startling revelation considering the complex geopolitical dynamics between the two nations today.

India's Search for Partners​

In 2004, India was facing escalating costs in its quest to replace its aging MiG-21 fighters with the LCA Tejas. Prior attempts at collaborations with Western partners had stalled.

China, with its own need to modernize its fleet of Xian J-7 and Shenyang J-6 fighters, seemed to offer a potential solution. The LCA's capabilities appeared to align well with China's requirements for a new attack aircraft.

A Complex Proposition​

The article highlights inherent skepticism about the feasibility of such a collaboration. While cooperation on civilian aircraft development might have been plausible, military collaboration between two regional rivals seemed far less likely.

Furthermore, China expressed interest in a tripartite venture with India and South Korea to develop a 100-seat regional airliner. The ultimate fate of this proposal remains unknown, adding to the intrigue surrounding these potential collaborations.

What Could Have Been​

The resurfaced article raises fascinating 'what-if?' scenarios. It offers a glimpse into a potential alternative history where China and India, driven by shared needs, might have joined forces in developing a crucial military platform.

Lessons for the Present​

This forgotten moment underscores the unpredictable nature of international relations and the complex interplay of competition and cooperation in defence technology development.

While the idea of Sino-Indian collaboration on the LCA Tejas program ultimately never materialized, it serves as a reminder of the potential for unexpected partnerships, particularly when strategic interests momentarily seem to align.

 

[Instant Karma]

If the collaboration was successful, Tejas would be flying with RD 33 engine.

 

[sanket]

LCA MK1A is late for Inducting But is most potent & Lethal platform in Asia than its adversaries.Some people blame for Late but after HAL start delivering India will have Edge over its both Neighbour.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

Yeah, July. 2004. With UPA in the Government's seat, it was time for Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai once again.

True, only a progeny of the Gandhi-Nehru dynasty can engage in a MoU with China.

 

[Sudha]

Nothing would have happened. Even if it went forward, china would have backstabbed Bharat. Good it did not go forward.

 

[Sudha]

LCA MK1A is late for Inducting But is most potent & Lethal platform in Asia than its adversaries.Some people blame for Late but after HAL start delivering India will have Edge over its both Neighbour.

WTH? Edge? They are fielding 5th gen fighters.

 

[Vijay Anand]

Yeah, July. 2004. With UPA in the Government's seat, it was time for Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai once again.

True, only a progeny of the Gandhi-Nehru dynasty can engage in a MoU with China.

We should also thank God and their progenies for not going to Pak

 

[Bharat007]

Totally Irrelevant now. Throw this article in toilet hole.

 

[sanket]

WTH? Edge? They are fielding 5th gen fighters.

it is far better than Junk-17 , Smaller in size , Low RCS use of Composite material so it is difficult to detect with Astra MK2 & Python-5 it will surely have Edge. As per as 5th Gen even F-35 is ging through issues . China havent Mastered there 5th Gen Stealth Fighter yet .so why India is scouting For4.5th Gen Fighter In MRFA then if china is Fielding 5th Gen .........???

 

[Kira]

I believe at that time,this may have been seen as remotely feasible because the border dispute was decided to be put on the back burner by both governments led by PM Vajpayee and Chinese President(forgot his name) by mending fences and focusing on advancing trade ties,UPA-1 carried that momentum forward.
At the time,PRC was powering ahead with double digit growth and India had just began to shine following the IT boom post Vajpayee second term.
Recall at that time,Indian government was negotiating with the US on the nuclear deal,but had not pivoted towards the Americans yet,so a deal with PRC even on a civilian aircraft was not that hard to fathom.

 

[Hanshu=Agarwal]

WTH? Edge? They are fielding 5th gen fighters.

5th generation nice joke

 

[Varaaah]

The greed and unreliability of the Chinese has closed a lot of options for them.
I think they may have stolen everything about the LCA by now. Because there is no lack of Indian collaborators, even in the HAL.

 

[Aayush Dhaundiyal]

Imagine if these speculations were turned out to be true then what geopolitics would have been now

 

[Ankit BHardwaj]

WTH? Edge? They are fielding 5th gen fighters.

Everything is called 5th gen nowadays even if it isn't. The only true 5th gen is F22 and F35. And not even F 35 is stealth when going supercruising because of its non S shaped intakes