- Joined
- Jul 1, 2024
- Messages
- 1,520
- Likes
- 6,259
The only issue is our requirement for a transporter in the category C-390 is participating in is massive .Sweden has just selected the Brazilian C-390 as its new airlifter and Brazil has just indicated it will buy 9 more Swedish Gripen E fighters. Originally Brazil was expected to buy 2 or 3 batches of 36 Gripen E but its air force (FAB) has been looking into buying a cheaper alternative. 9 more Gripen E would bring the number ordered to 49. That could be all that FAB wants to operate.
FAB has 24 AMX subsonic, short range, light attack aircraft due to retire soon (source Wiki). Tejas Mk1A would be a more appropriate replacement than the larger, more sophisticated Gripen E. If HAL could get its marketing, production and support organised, an order might be achievable with a successful outcome (a happy customer).
At some point HAL has to get some experience in supporting overseas fast jet customers and demonstrate it can do so successfully if it wants to sell Tejas Mk2 to customers other than the IAF. Anyone think the FAB opportunity is worth pursuing?
Whether GoI will expend political capital to get a quid pro quo for a mere 24 nos is debatable & frankly IMO , doubtful .
Btw - how many C-390 did Sweden procure ?