Source : Indian Defence Updates (IDU)
PM Modi likely to visit Egypt; India to offer local production of 20 Tejas Mk1A alongside Akash SAM and SAAW to Egypt
Prime Minister Modi is likely to visit Egypt this month and this visit comes just six months after the two countries elevated their ties to the level of strategic partnership.
Egypt has projected a requirement for 20 light combat aircraft and officials have confirmed that India and Egypt will hold discussions on the sale of Tejas Mark 1A light combat aircraft, the Akash surface-to-air missile system, and the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW).
Egypt has shown interest in creating a local aerospace ecosystem and India aims to facilitate it by sharing technology and exploring new opportunities for defense co-production.
It is to be noted that reports have emerged during the last 2 months that Egypt is drifting toward the South Korean KAI FA-50 light trainer cum fighter just like the Malaysians who went for the South Korean jet instead of Tejas. Now it is to be seen whether PM Modi succeeds in outsmarting South Koreans in this great game of defence export or not as an export order for indigenous fighter Tejas will be a big boost to Indian Aerospace Industry and overall Indian Defence Export which will be a flagship for his own Aatmanirbhar Bharat or Self Reliant India campaign at a time when Indian General Election is on next year. PM Modi likely to visit Egypt; India to offer local production of 20 Tejas Mk1A alongside Akash SAM and SAAW to Egypt IgMp
