• Airways
  • Railway
  • Roadways
  • Shipping & Port
Transport Advancement
  • Home
  • News
  • Projects
    Highways England unveils plans to widen A12

    Highways England unveils plans to widen A12

    African Development Bank, Africa50 in Landmark Bridge Project Linking Kinshasa and Brazzaville

    Geely Holding to Cooperate with China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation on Developing Technologies Including Supersonic Trains

    AECOM to provide site supervision services for Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link project

    Talgo obtains €30 million from the European Investment Bank for Innovation projects

    U.S. Department of Transportation Advances Rail Projects in Florida and Texas

    World premiere of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE: Mercedes-AMG brings Formula 1 technology to the road

    One of the world’s longest electric car highways will be built in Australia

    CX North America Releases Next-Generation Mobile App for Drivers

  • Articles
  • Press Statements
  • Market Reports
    MaaS

    Mobility as a Service – MaaS Set To Witness A Global Demand

    Transportation growth in Tourism

    On-Demand Transportation Throttles Growth in Tourism

    Achieving Global Retail Expansion And Sustained Growth

    Shifting Sourcing strategies with Maersk, Bose & Infineon – Reuters Events

    Austal signs agreement to buy BSE Maritime Solutions

    Austal signs agreement to buy BSE Maritime Solutions

    HPC leads machine learning initiative at Hamburg container terminal

    Chinas busiest port sees growth in sea-rail transport

    IATA health checklist to help airlines implement ICAO Covid-19 guidance

    Air cargo demand helps Korean to Q3 operating profit

    Kuehne + Nagel makes acquisitions in the Netherlands and Belgium to expand its overland network

    Kuehne + Nagel makes acquisitions in the Netherlands and Belgium to expand its overland network

    Transoft acquired Keysoft Solutions

    Transoft Solutions Completes Acquisition of Uk-based Keysoft Solutions

  • Events
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Projects
    Highways England unveils plans to widen A12

    Highways England unveils plans to widen A12

    African Development Bank, Africa50 in Landmark Bridge Project Linking Kinshasa and Brazzaville

    Geely Holding to Cooperate with China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation on Developing Technologies Including Supersonic Trains

    AECOM to provide site supervision services for Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link project

    Talgo obtains €30 million from the European Investment Bank for Innovation projects

    U.S. Department of Transportation Advances Rail Projects in Florida and Texas

    World premiere of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE: Mercedes-AMG brings Formula 1 technology to the road

    One of the world’s longest electric car highways will be built in Australia

    CX North America Releases Next-Generation Mobile App for Drivers

  • Articles
  • Press Statements
  • Market Reports
    MaaS

    Mobility as a Service – MaaS Set To Witness A Global Demand

    Transportation growth in Tourism

    On-Demand Transportation Throttles Growth in Tourism

    Achieving Global Retail Expansion And Sustained Growth

    Shifting Sourcing strategies with Maersk, Bose & Infineon – Reuters Events

    Austal signs agreement to buy BSE Maritime Solutions

    Austal signs agreement to buy BSE Maritime Solutions

    HPC leads machine learning initiative at Hamburg container terminal

    Chinas busiest port sees growth in sea-rail transport

    IATA health checklist to help airlines implement ICAO Covid-19 guidance

    Air cargo demand helps Korean to Q3 operating profit

    Kuehne + Nagel makes acquisitions in the Netherlands and Belgium to expand its overland network

    Kuehne + Nagel makes acquisitions in the Netherlands and Belgium to expand its overland network

    Transoft acquired Keysoft Solutions

    Transoft Solutions Completes Acquisition of Uk-based Keysoft Solutions

  • Events
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Transport Advancement
No Result
View All Result
Home Airways

Botswana in negotiation with India for Tejas aircraft

20th May 2023
in Airways, News
Botswana in negotiation with India for Tejas aircraft
0
SHARES
32
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

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) is currently engaged in talks with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-owned aerospace and defense company.

The primary focus of these discussions is the potential acquisition of the advanced Tejas fighter planes manufactured by HAL. This collaboration between Botswana and India reflects a growing trend of nations seeking to modernize their defence forces through strategic partnerships and technological advancements.

When concluded, this business will be a significant milestone for India which has been seeking to sell cost-effective military hardware to African forces in a bid to enhancing it’s influence in the continent currently being dominated by China, Russia, and Turkey

Since 2013, the BDF has been attempting to replace its ageing fleet of fighter jets. The BDF currently deploys about 13 Former Canadian Northrop/Canadair CF-5D combat trainers (3 no’s) and CF-5A Fighters (10 no’s) acquired from Canada in 1996.

These jets were designed in the ’50s and produced in the ’60s and have been long retired from service since there is no production and in the operation, it is becoming expensive to maintain.

CF-5 jets are Canadair licensed-built versions of the American Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter, while F-5 was mass-produced but CF-5s had limited production runs only for Canadian Air Force and do not have universally compatible parts with the F-5, adding to spare part procurement woes for current end users.

A Promising Collaboration

The Tejas fighter plane, a result of India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, has gained global recognition for its advanced capabilities and cutting-edge technology.

Botswana’s interest in acquiring the Tejas jets highlights its commitment to enhancing its air force’s combat capabilities and underscores the nation’s recognition of the importance of advanced aerial defense systems.

Since 2013, the BDF has repeatedly voiced out its concerns about finding a suitable combat aircraft to replace its aging fighter jet fleet. The BDF operates 14 F-5A fighter jets and F-5D trainers bought from Canada in 1996.

BDF wants the newer aircraft in the context of neighbouring governments’ strengthening of their air forces. Zambia, for instance, upgraded eight MiG-21 fighters to the MiG-21-2000 version with the assistance of the Israeli business Israel Aerospace Industries, while Namibia received 12 Chengdu F-7NM fighters and two FT-7NM trainers, an enhanced copy of the MiG-21, from China. In addition, Zimbabwe ordered Chinese FC-1 fighter jets in 2004.

Several aircraft manufacturer at the time pitched their products to the BDF, these includes General Dynamics with its F-16 Fighting Falcon, SAAB with the JAS 39 Gripen, Leonardo (formerly Alenia Aermacchi with the M-346 Master , and KAI with the T-50/FA-50.

HAL’s Tejas, a single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft, is designed to excel in both air superiority and ground attack missions. Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, a modern glass cockpit, and an advanced radar system, the Tejas has already proven its mettle through successful operational deployments with the Indian Air Force.

Strengthening Botswana’s Defense

For Botswana, acquiring the Tejas fighter planes would mark a significant milestone in its defense modernization efforts. The BDF currently operates a fleet of older aircraft, and the addition of advanced fighter jets like the Tejas would enhance the country’s ability to protect its airspace, deter potential threats, and respond effectively in case of security challenges.

The Tejas’ advanced capabilities, including its ability to carry a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, precision-guided munitions, and smart bombs, would greatly enhance Botswana’s operational flexibility and combat readiness. These fighter planes can also provide valuable support in reconnaissance missions, ensuring enhanced situational awareness and intelligence gathering capabilities.

A cost saving measure was proposed in a report published in 2013 by the head of the BDF’s air arm, Major General Odirile Mashinyana, who had recommended upgrading the F-5 (BF-5) fighter fleet rather than acquiring new aircraft, due to funds constraints.

An attempt to procure F-16 Fighting Falcon jets In 2014 from the General Dynamics was vetoed by the US which stated that Botswana did not need such expensive military hardware, and that procuring the F-16 could potentially spark an arms race in the SADC region.

Also, endeavors to procure either the Swedish SAAB JAS 29 Gripen, or the Korean KAI FA-50 Golden Eagle lightweight fighter failed to materialize.

Some other Gaborone military officers were pitching a Gripen purchase because of its possible interoperability with Botswana’s neighbour, South Africa, which also employs the JAS-39C/D. The BDF could benefit from South Africa’s Gripen training and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure.

Budgetary constraints also hampered efforts to acquire the Gripens since more funds would be needed to proceed with the acquisition, based on the requirement of the 2013 report.

Nevertheless, in November 2013, Botswana Minister of Defence Ramadeluka Seretse and other BDF officials met with South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) over the potential acquisition of the T-50 and FA-50 aircraft, which resulted in President Ian Khama visiting South Korea and KAI in October 2015. Interest in the KAI T-50/FA-50 fighter/trainer jet had diminished by 2016.

Closer Defense Ties between Botswana and India

The potential collaboration between Botswana and India in the defense sector goes beyond a mere acquisition. It signifies a strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations, with defense cooperation serving as a critical pillar in their relationship. This strategic partnership holds the potential for knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and joint training exercises, which can benefit both countries’ armed forces.

Furthermore, the potential acquisition of Tejas fighter planes from HAL underscores India’s growing reputation as a reliable provider of advanced defense equipment. It highlights the country’s prowess in indigenous defense manufacturing and its willingness to engage in defense collaborations with friendly nations.

The Botswana Defence Force’s ongoing talks with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited regarding the acquisition of Tejas fighter planes reflect Botswana’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities.

The Tejas, renowned for its advanced technology and combat capabilities, has the potential to significantly enhance Botswana’s air force operations, bolster its security, and contribute to regional stability.

India’s HAL has been trying to sell the Tejas to Egypt since India and Cairo strengthened their relations a few months ago.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi as part of a state visit where he will meet business leaders and be a guest of honour at India’s Jan. 26 Republic Day.

Subsequently, in February, India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) chairman, Shri C.B. Ananthakrishnan, announced at Aero-India 2023 that the company is in talks with Egypt and Argentinian officials to secure a contract to supply 35 Tejas LCA Mk-1A to the nation’s armed forces.

The aircraft deal will see HAL supply 35 Tejas LCA Mk-1A to Egypt, as well as provide a complete transfer of technology (ToT) for Egypt to produce the aircraft locally. Egypt has projected a requirement for 20 aircraft.

 

Previous Post

Nippon Express Italia Achieves CEIV Pharma Recertification

Next Post

ExecuJet MRO Services Africa awarded authorised service centre for Embraer

Related Posts

Airlines Adopt Innovative
Airways

Airlines Adopt Innovative Ways to Procure Aircraft Parts

2nd May 2025
London Paris High Speed Rail Link
High-Speed Railways

FS Groups London-Paris High-Speed Rail Link on the Cards

15th April 2025
Swedish Transport Electric Bus
News

Swedish Transport Operator Orders 81 Solaris Electric Buses

15th April 2025
JBM New Electric Bus Design
Europe

JBM to Rollout New Electric Bus Designed for European Market

15th April 2025
Europe High Speed Rail
Europe

Starline: Europe High-Speed Rail with Metro-Like Function

15th April 2025
European High Speed Rail System
News

21st Europe Starline Rolls European High-Speed Rail System

14th April 2025
Next Post
ExecuJet MRO Services Africa awarded authorised service centre for Embraer

ExecuJet MRO Services Africa awarded authorised service centre for Embraer

Latest Post

Airlines Adopt Innovative
Airways

Airlines Adopt Innovative Ways to Procure Aircraft Parts

2nd May 2025
Airways

DHL & Senior Aerospace UPECA Partner on SAF Solutions

6th March 2025
Airways

Ireland’s First International Air Delivery of Medicines on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel

25th February 2025
Airways

European transport groups call for more green fuel

18th February 2025
Global Demand For Air Cargo Shrinks Even Further In December
Airways

Cathay Cargo Eyes Indian Airlines For Hong Kong Facility

26th September 2024
Royal Schiphol Group announces redevelopment of its affiliate Terminal 4 at New York JFK Airport
Airways

How Private 5G Networks Are Transforming Airport Efficiency

26th September 2024
Transport Advancement

About Us

Transport Advancement is a leading information centric website for latest updates within the industry. We cover Railway, Road Traffic, Airways, Shipping & Port and run with an objective to provide knowledge driven content to our readers and subscribers in various forms like news, projects, upcoming events.

Subscribe Us

Resources

  • Advertise with us
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletter Archive
  • Download Mediapack
  • Newsletter Subscription

System

  • Search
  • Site map
  • RSS Feed
  • Airways
  • Railway
  • Roadways
  • Shipping & Port

© 2022 Copyright Value Media Services 2022 All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Projects
  • Articles
  • Press Statements
  • Market Reports
  • Events
  • Contact Us

© 2022 Copyright Value Media Services 2022 All rights reserved.