The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) is looking for a new trainer plane to replace its ageing fleet and train cadet pilots for the recently delivered Rafale fighter jet and the upcoming Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jet. Several aircraft manufacturers have previously expressed interest in supplying training aircraft, including Grob Aircraft, Sierra Nevada, Aero Vodochody, and Leonardo.
As part of its plan to retire 100 Chinese-made K-8E trainer aircraft, India"s state-owned manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has offered its LCA-Tejas Mk1A as a lead-in fighter training (LIFT) aircraft.
The Egyptian Air Force has a requirement of close to 70 light combat jets, with a focus on local production and technology transfer.
The Indian LCA is priced at around $42 million per unit.
The offer was first announced at the Dubai Airshow. In addition to the Tejas LCA Mk1A, HAL has also offered a range of helicopters which include the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
Tejas MK-1A emerged as one of the final two contenders for Malaysia’s LCA contract besides Turkish Aerospace’s (TUSAŞ) Hürjet.
