HAL made an offer in October 2021 to supply 18 fighters to Malaysia. The Tejas has a good chance because it meets all the RMAF parameters,” says HAL
By Vikas Gupta
Defence News of India, 18 Aug 22
As Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has contracted the Tejas Mark 1A fighter in a Malaysian tender for 18 Fighter Trainer Aircraft (FLIT), the company is preparing for what would be a first success in the export of the Indian hunter.
On Thursday, the Bengaluru-headquartered aerospace giant announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with its representative in Kuala Lumpur, called Forte Drus, to tap into new opportunities in the export of arms to Malaysia.
“The office in Malaysia will help HAL exploit new business opportunities for Fighter Lead-in Trainer (FLIT), LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) and other Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) requirements like upgrades Sukhoi-30 MKM and Hawk,” HAL said.
“HAL had submitted a proposal to the Malaysian Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) in October 2021 for the supply of 18 FLIT LCAs under a global tender launched by RMAF. The final winner of the tender should be announced soon by the Malaysian authorities. LCA Tejas has a good chance of being selected in the bid as he meets all the parameters sought by the RMAF,” a HAL press release said on Thursday.
In addition to offering the Tejas LCA as part of Kuala Lumpur’s global tender for 18 advanced jet trainers, HAL sees business opportunities in Malaysia for the maintenance and upgrade of their trainer fleets. Sukhoi-30MKM and Hawk.
“Additionally, being one of the largest producers of Russian-origin Sukhoi-30 aircraft, HAL has the capabilities to extend the support required for RMAF’s Sukhoi-30 MKM fleet, which is facing low issues. due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis,” HAL said. .
HAL also offered to support the RMAF in upgrading its Hawk fleet. Other HAL platforms such as the HTT-40 basic trainer, the Dornier-228 light maritime reconnaissance aircraft, the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) have the potential to be inducted by RMAF in the future, according to HAL.
In view of these factors, HAL’s office in Kuala Lumpur plans to take on the business promotion of HAL’s products and services in Malaysia and throughout the Southeast Asian region.
“This will reinforce India’s commitment to supporting the Malaysian Defense Forces and industry for a sustainable aerospace and defense landscape in Malaysia,” HAL said.
The RMAF tender is for 18 fighters with an option for 18 more. It would be an inviting first export order for the Tejas.
According to Malaysian media, the other competitors in the fray are: Pakistani-Chinese JF-17 Thunder, Russian MiG-35, Chinese Catic, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50, Turkey Aerospace industries (TAI) Hürjet, and Italian Leonardo with the M-346.
Aerospace industry analysts say price will be a significant issue for the RMAF, which expects to pay around $900 million for 18 fighters, or $50 million per fighter. It is understood that HAL offers the Tejas at this price.
The Korean fighter is said to be slightly more expensive than the Tejas and the much more expensive Russian MiG-35. Meanwhile, the Chinese are said to have reduced the price of the JF-17 by around 30%, a loss they will bear to conquer the market.
