Nigeria Eyes TEJAS Jets As It is Unhappy With Its 3 Chinese Made JF-17 Fighters

Defense News ,India :- In early December, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) officials revealed ongoing discussions with Nigerian representatives regarding the potential acquisition of Tejas light fighters by Nigeria. This announcement highlights the strong ties between the two nations and underscores India growing defense industry alongside Abuja pressing need for modern equipment to address escalating security challenges in its region.

The prospect of Nigeria opting for the Tejas fighter presents a unique situation, illustrating the non-alignment stance of Southern countries. Currently, Nigeria operates three JF-17 Thunders of Pakistani/Chinese origin. The decision not to expand its inventory with Tejas fighters may suggest reservations about the Thunder performance.

Nevertheless, Nigeria continues to leverage a fleet of Chinese unmanned assets, including CH-3, CH-4, and Wing Loong II UAVs, for its military operations. Despite this, the longstanding military relations between India and Nigeria, both former British colonies, trace back to the early 1960s when New Delhi assisted in establishing the Nigerian Defence Academy and Naval College.

The partnership gained momentum in 2007 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for joint military training, exchange programs, and collaborative deployment for UN peacekeeping operations. Over the years, both nations have engaged in best practice exchanges and discussions, particularly in the realm of counter-terrorism, as witnessed in 2021 during a period of heightened jihadist attacks.

The collaborative efforts were further strengthened by the establishment of five joint defense coordination committees in the 2010s, albeit slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the Indian frigate INS Tarkash made a significant visit to Lagos in 2022, symbolizing joint counter-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Guinea.

This mission not only showcased India commitment to global anti-piracy operations but also signaled its geopolitical ambitions. Given that India imports a significant portion of its crude oil from Nigeria annually, ranging between 8% and 10%, the joint operation served as a demonstration of India willingness to provide security guarantees.

India, traditionally reliant on oil imports to fuel its economy, now exhibits the capability and determination to extend its naval presence beyond conventional theaters of operation. This move signifies India proactive measures to secure its vital supply routes independently, a departure from the historical precedence set by Western states and later emulated by China to establish themselves as influential powers in the global order. India, in its own distinct way, is now aspiring to attain a similar status on the world stage.