Countries such as Congo, Nigeria, the Philippines, Egypt, Malaysia, and Botswana have expressed interest in acquiring India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (TEJAS) TEJAS. This interest comes as India aims to boost its defence exports, with the TEJAS being a central focus of its strategy. The Indian government has been actively promoting the TEJAS to foreign air forces, supported by diplomatic efforts and demonstrations of the aircraft's capabilities.

Despite this growing interest, there are significant challenges regarding the TEJAS's export potential. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), responsible for manufacturing the TEJAS, faces questions about its capacity to fulfil potential export orders. The HAL has been criticized for its limited manufacturing capabilities compared to the demand for such aircraft, and there are concerns about whether it can meet delivery schedules, especially given delays in engine supplies from GE Aerospace.

In recent developments, while some countries have shown interest, others like Malaysia have opted for different aircraft, such as the South Korean F-50 Golden Eagle, indicating a competitive market landscape. The TEJAS program has been ongoing since the 1980s and has seen various iterations and upgrades, but it still lacks combat experience, which could be a deterrent for potential buyers.

How Does The TEJAS Jet Compare To Other Fighters In Terms of Performance And Technology

The TEJAS is a lightweight, multi-role combat aircraft developed by India, designed to compete with other modern fighter jets. Below is a comparison of the TEJAS MK-1A against notable counterparts such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, J-10C, and FA-50 Golden Eagle in terms of performance and technology.

FeatureTEJAS MK1AF-16 Fighting FalconJ-10CFA-50 Golden Eagle
Maximum Speed1,975 km/h (Mach 1.8)2,120 km/h (Mach 1.9)2,305 km/h (Mach 2.1)Approximately 1,500 km/h
Combat Range500 km2,622 km~1,200 km~1,500 km
Service Ceiling16,500 meters15,240 meters~16,000 meters~15,000 meters
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio~0.9~1.1~0.9~0.8
Climb Rate40,000 ft/min50,000 ft/minNot specifiedNot specified

TEJAS MK-1A features modern technology such as an AESA radar and advanced electronic warfare capabilities, it still faces challenges in terms of maximum speed, combat range, and overall operational flexibility compared to more established platforms like the F-16 and J-10C.

The FA-50 also presents strong competition due to its production history and operational record. The Tejas is positioned as a cost-effective option for countries looking for a light combat aircraft but may need further enhancements in capabilities and production output to compete effectively on the global stage.

What Are The Main Challenges India Faces In Meeting Export Orders For The TEJAS

India faces several significant challenges in meeting export orders for the TEJAS TEJAS, which hinder its ambition to establish itself as a competitive player in the global defence market.

Key Challenges

1. Manufacturing Capacity

Limited Production Capability: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has struggled with manufacturing capacity, historically producing only a handful of TEJAS aircraft annually. Although HAL has plans to ramp up production to 24 aircraft per year, this is still insufficient to meet both domestic and potential export demands simultaneously.

Delivery Delays: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has expressed dissatisfaction with HAL’s pace in delivering contracted aircraft, which raises concerns about HAL's ability to fulfil export orders on time. Delays in the delivery of the TEJAS MK-1A have already pushed timelines back, complicating any future commitments to foreign buyers.

2. Supply Chain Issues

Dependence on Foreign Suppliers: The TEJAS's reliance on imported components, particularly engines from GE Aerospace, has led to significant delays. The supply chain disruptions have resulted in delayed engine deliveries, which are critical for the aircraft's performance and production schedules. This dependence undermines India’s self-reliance ambitions and complicates export logistics.

3. Combat Proven Status

Lack of Combat Experience: The TEJAS is not combat-proven, which poses a challenge in convincing foreign air forces to adopt it over established competitors that have demonstrated their capabilities in real-world scenarios. This lack of operational history can deter potential buyers who prioritize proven performance.

4. Competitive Market Landscape

Strong Competition: The global market for fighter jets is highly competitive, with established players like the F-16 and newer entrants like the South Korean FA-50 winning contracts over the TEJAS. For instance, Malaysia opted for the FA-50 despite initial interest in the TEJAS, highlighting the challenges HAL faces in securing export deals.

5. Strategic And Diplomatic Efforts

Need for Aggressive Marketing: While India is actively promoting the TEJAS through diplomatic channels and international air shows, it must enhance its marketing strategies and forge stronger defence relationships to attract buyers. This includes demonstrating the aircraft's capabilities through joint exercises and showcasing its technological advancements.

To successfully secure export orders for the TEJAS, India must address these challenges by enhancing manufacturing capabilities, ensuring timely delivery of components, establishing a reputation for combat readiness, and effectively competing against established global players. Without overcoming these hurdles, India's aspirations to become a significant arms exporter may remain unfulfilled.