Argentina Evaluates India’s TEJAS Fighter Offer

A team from India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are in Argentina as part of the country’s evaluation of the Tejas light combat aircraft.

The team reached Argentina on June 5 and will be there until June 9.

In an official statement, the Argentine defense ministry said HAL authorities “carried out an agenda of meetings, which included a meeting with the head of the Air Force, Brigadier General Xavier Isaac and his technical team to evaluate the offer of TEJAS model combat aircraft.”

HAL also held an interview with the Chief of the Army, Lieutenant General Guillermo Olegario Pereda and personnel from the Force to present options for helicopters manufactured in India.

Related news: HAL to Sign Contract with Argentina for "Aviation Product"

On Tuesday, the delegation visited the facilities of the Fábrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA) company, dependent on the Ministry of Defense, located in the Province of Córdoba.

In March 2022, the Argentine delegation toured the aircraft, helicopter and engine manufacturing areas of the HAL company.

During Aero India 2023, the Argentine Air Force signed a contract with the company HAL for the maintenance of the engines of its Lama helicopters.

Tough competition

The LCA Tejas is competing against the Pakistani-Chinese JF-17 besides the F-16 and Saab Gripen for the Argentinian plan to buy fighter jets. Last year, a delegation from Aviation Industries' Corporation of China had visited Argentina to hardsell the JF-17.