Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) is looking at setting up logistics bases in Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Sri Lanka to boost exports. This is a part of government's initiative to sell India's light combat aircraft Tejas and military helicopters to other countries.
HAL is now focusing on boosting exports in sync with the government's priority and has identified South East Asia, West Asia and North Africa to sell key platforms like Tejas, attack helicopter Rudra and advanced light helicopter Dhruv.
The Tejas has been developed by Aeronautical Development Agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development; and HAL.
The lifespan of the jet will be a minimum of 30 years just like any other frontline combat aircraft. The combat jets are classified under various generations depending on their avionics, capability and weapons systems. The current fleet of fighter jets with the IAF range from three-and-half generation to the fourth generation.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already placed an order for 40 Tejas and is likely to seal a contract very soon with HAL for another 83 aircraft at a cost of around Rs 38,000 crore.