# DR Congo in talks with HAL for Tejas jet

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/10/dr-congo-in-talks-with-hal-for-tejas-jet/
- Published: 2024-10-14T23:40:11+01:00
- Author: Kazim Abdul

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s air force (FAC) is actively seeking to modernize
its fleet, and India has become a focal point in their quest for advanced military
aircraft. In August, a high-profile delegation from the FAC visited New Delhi to
engage in discussions about the potential acquisition of the Tejas Mk1 multi-role
aircraft. This visit marks a significant step in DR Congo’s efforts to replace its
ageing fleet of Soviet-origin aircraft, including the Sukhoi Su-25s FrogFoot.

The Congolese air force chief, alongside other defence officials, held extensive
talks with representatives from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), including notable
aviation engineer Kota Harinarayana. The discussions centered around the performance
and capabilities of the Tejas Mk1, and its potential to serve as a long-term replacement
for the FAC’s existing Sukhoi Su-25s.

The FAC currently operates a diverse array of aircraft, including the Sukhoi Su-
25, MiG-23, and Mil Mi-24 helicopters. The introduction of the Tejas Mk1 would represent
a significant upgrade, bringing in more advanced technology and enhanced combat 
capabilities. This shift is seen as crucial for DR Congo to maintain a robust and
modern air force capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.

The security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is volatile.
Conflict between government forces and armed groups in the east is ongoing.

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Furthermore, according to the United Nations, [Uganda is backing M23 rebels ](https://www.military.africa/2024/08/rwanda-and-uganda-backs-m23-rebels-in-dr-congo/)
fighting across its border in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The UN also 
warns that a rapidly escalating crisis “carried the risk of triggering a wider regional
conflict”.

The Rwandan army is supporting M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo, using sophisticated
weapons such as [surface-to-air missiles.](https://www.military.africa/2024/02/rwanda-fires-anti-aircraft-missile-again-in-drc/)
In January last year, Rwanda’s defense force [shot at a Democratic Republic of Congo Sukhoi Su-25 ground attack jet](https://www.military.africa/2023/01/act-of-war-rwanda-attacks-drcs-su-25-aircraft-as-threat-of-invasion-looms/)
with man portable air defence weapon (MANPAD) that allegedly violated its airspace,
as tensions between the neighboring countries escalate.

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#### India’s Role in the Arms Trade

India has been making concerted efforts to expand its footprint in the global arms
trade, aiming to compete with established players like Russia and China. By focusing
on the African market, India hopes to [provide cost-effective and reliable defence solutions](https://www.military.africa/2023/04/india-hopes-to-sell-affordable-weapons-to-africa/)
to countries that may find Western-made equipment prohibitively expensive. The Tejas
Mk1, developed and manufactured domestically, is a prime example of India’s capability
to produce sophisticated and affordable military hardware.

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#### The Appeal of Tejas Mk1

The Tejas Mk1’s appeal lies in its advanced avionics, multi-role capabilities, and
affordability. For African militaries, such as the FAC, these attributes make it
an attractive option. India’s commitment to providing maintenance and support further
enhances the reliability and cost-effectiveness of its defence systems.

#### Strengthening Ties and Market Presence

India’s strategy extends beyond just selling equipment; it aims to build long-term
partnerships and establish a solid presence in the African defence market. By engaging
with countries like DR Congo, India seeks to not only sell more of its domestically
produced hardware but also gain access to new markets and strengthen its global 
influence.

Although, more than one year has past, and [no sign](https://www.military.africa/2024/07/one-year-later-no-sign-of-indias-affordable-weapons-in-africa/)
of India’s affordable weapons to African forces.

On one hand, India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk 2 programme is languishing
without funding, months after the project was approved by New Delhi. The Tejas Mk
2 is intended to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a 4.5-generation medium-
weight-class fighter aircraft. The aircraft is designed to be an improvement over
the fourth-generation Tejas Mk 1 aircraft currently in IAF service.

Meanwhile, the Botswana Defence Force is in talks with India’s state-owned Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with a view to acquiring several of its Tejas fighter 
planes.

In a move aimed at [enhancing its defence capabilities, the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) ](https://www.military.africa/2020/05/landlocked-botswana-receives-several-military-hardware)
is currently engaged in talks with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s 
state-owned aerospace and defense company.

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