12 Tejas Mk1A for the Philippines Air Force

Source : IgMp Bureau

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The Philippine National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has said that the American Lockheed Martin F-16 price tag is too expensive and even the Swedish SAAB Gripen’s per unit cost is around $80 million dollars due to which Philippine Air Force is looking at other options.

India's Hindustan Aeronautics Lmited (HAL) stepped in and has offered the Tejas Mk 1A which will likely be followed by a detailed presentation and offer in the coming weeks.

The Indian Ambassador to Philippines paid a courtesy call on the new Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr during which the Indian Government vowed to work with the Philippines in strengthening the capabilities of the Philippines Armed Forces.

The Tejas Mark 1A will cost around $42 million dollars which means that Philippines can procure 12 aircraft in half the price quoted by Lockheed Martin and SAAB.

The Philippine Air Force already operates the Korean FA-50 and the commonality of General Electric F-404 engine and same Israeli radar between FA-50 and the Tejas Mark 1A makes it an attractive deal.