Defense Export: Argentina Maybe the Next Buyer of India’s LCA Tejas
New Delhi: The Light Combat Aircraft – Tejas (LCA Tejas) designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is now in the eyes of the South American country – Argentina and it could be the next buyer of aircraft. Foreign Minister of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar acknowledged Argentina’s interest in the India-made Tejas fighter aircraft for induction in the Argentine Air Force.
Tejas, manufactured by HAL, is a single-engine and highly agile multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments. In February last year, the defense ministry sealed a ₹48,000 crore deal with HAL for the procurement of 83 Tejas fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Jaishankar, who arrived here on Thursday on the final leg of his maiden official visit to three Latin American countries, also met Economy Minister Sergio Massa and exchanged views on economic cooperation.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called on Argentine President Alberto Fernandez and discussed measures for making trade ties more sustainable and ambitious as well as the potential for bilateral cooperation in defense and nuclear energy.
According to the media report, “Expressing satisfaction at the close cooperation between the two countries at the multilateral fora, both ministers agreed to closely cooperate in the United Nations and other multilateral organizations to address global challenges of terrorism, security, international and regional peace, climate change, biodiversity loss, equitable trade, and sustainable development,”
“Both sides agreed to promote an exchange of visits between armed forces, defense training, and collaboration for joint production of defense-related equipment,” the statement added.
Highlighting its expertise and immense production capacities, India offered tie-ups in vaccine production making Argentina a regional base. Acknowledging the prowess of pharma sectors in both countries, Jaishankar and Cafiero agreed to promote trade and investments in pharmaceuticals.
(Vinayak)
