India's Tejas LCA Competes With Chinese, South Korean Models as UAE Procures Military Hardware in Defense From Rebel Threats

Tejas Light Combat Aircraft has Found no Buyers as Competition from Chinese and South Korea Models in the UAE

(Photo : GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

The Tejas light combat aircraft has stiff competition from Chinese and South Korean defense firms hoping to get a deal from the United Arab Emirates, which is shopping for armaments for its arsenal. Products involved are a missile system and aircraft that are not getting as many sales as expected.

The BrahMos cruise missiles were recently sold to the Philippines, but LCA has not gotten a bit that much compared to sales of competing defense firms.

India Increase Exports of Light Combat Aircraft

The Indian defense ministry gave 954 export authorizations cited the Hindustan Times defense products in 2021, compared to 829 in 2020. Teja LCA and BrahMos cruise missiles are listed as their two main products for Indian export.

To boost the sale of arms to partner nations, the sale of Akash weapons systems to friendly foreign countries is approved by the Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in December 2020, states UP Exam Paper.

It also set up a high-powered council to expedite the licensing of military equipment exports. Delhi has set a goal of achieving $5 billion in military exports by 2024. However, the UAE's track record could undermine that goal, reported the EurAsian Times.

According to retired Squadron Leader Vijainder K Thakur, a military analyst, and former IAF Jaguar pilot; he remarked that South Korea's Cheongung II missile system over India's Akash missile system was chosen due to performance.

Almaz-Antey and Fakel provide expert support for developing the Cheongung II system. The 9M96 missile, used with Russia's S-350E and S-400 missile systems, is the system's core. The Akash missile is not equivalent to the 9M96.

The Korean TA-50

Likewise, the TA-50, designed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in cooperation with Lockheed Martin, is a more versatile aircraft than the LCA. It's powered by the same GE F404 powerplant that drives the LCA.

It was built from its inception to be a high-performance trainer. However, unlike LCA, which was intended to be an F-16 fighter is now only offered as a Lead In-Flight Trainer (LIFT) due to performance constraints.

A defense expert Nitin J Ticku made the distinction between the LCA and TA-50 for clarity. He added trainer aircraft varies from Light Warfare Aircraft in that it is not designed for combat but could be outfitted with enough firepower to carry out basic missions only.

It lacks an advanced engine and the combat range required for combat. The UAE appears to be primarily focused on Advanced trainers, as shown by its L-15 deal with China and its purchase of the South Korean trainer.

Why the LCA?

However, the L-15 and T-50, designed to train fighter pilots for sophisticated planes, India's Tejas is intended for combat. If the UAE needed a light fighter, the Tejas is the right fit as in the case of Malaysia, mentioned Cable Free TV.

Ironically, India has to use ATJ Hawks for training, not its Tejas, and develop capable fighter jets like China or South Korea later. This explanation rules out a snub but for want of specific aircraft. Tejas Light Combat Aircraft is best for combat training experience fighter pilots and offers a cheaper option to expensive products from the USA and other defense firms.