Dated: 7.07.2022
India’s Tejas is Malaysia’s ‘top choice’ to replace aging Russian-origin Mig-29 fleet, says Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) chief. The Tejas is a single-engine supersonic fighter jet and is manufactured by HAL.
Malaysia currently uses Russian-origin Sukhoi fighter jets, but the fleet is facing problems such as getting old and having no spare parts available because of sanctions on Russia. The other options are China’s JF-17, South Korea’s F-15, and Russia’s Mig-35. But India’s deal is suited to them. India offered to set up a maintenance facility in Malaysia. This facility will repair the existing fleet of Sukhoi.
Recently, India has also offered to set up factories in Egypt. It offers to set up production facilities for Light Combat Aircraft and copters.
Last month, India signed a $375 million deal to export the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile to the Philippines, which in turn was “the beginning of a strategic partnership”, says undersecretary Philippines foreign secretary. After the Brahmos, India also offered its indigenous Akash and Pinaka missiles. Medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile systems, surface and fire control radar, tactical control and command canter, and missile launcher are also in the list to be exported. It also eyes India’s Tejas fighter jet.
In the month of June, Defence minister Rajnath Singh visited Vietnam. India and Vietnam inked Military Pact, ensuring that both countries can use each other’s defence bases. They sign the 2030 vision statement to seal a pact in mutual logistics support. India has such reciprocal logistics pact with several countries like the USA, Australia, Japan, France, South Korea, and Singapore. High-speed patrol boats developed by India were also handed over to them during the visit. $500 million defence line of credit was extended to Vietnam. It is also a potential buyer of Brahmos and Akash missiles.
India is moving towards local production. It is turning from a buyer into a seller. In 2015, India exported weapons worth Rs 1941 crore, in 2021, it is Rs 11607 crore. The government targets Rs 36000 crore by 2025.
These countries are not eying up to the US because their defence equipment is expensive and they have a bitter history with them. On the other hand, the war drifted Russia’s focus on territorial expansion and dipped in arms exports. It establishes India in the Global Arms Market and militarizes the Indo-Pacific region. The southeast countries need availability and reliability, and also to counter China’s aggression, India has a lot to offer. Southeast and Middle east begin self-reliance in the defence sector. But a lot depends on smart deal-making and marketing.