India is exploring opportunities in the African defence market for potential exports, with a delegation from the defence industry scheduled to visit Abuja, Nigeria, from March 7, reports Indian Media.
The delegation, led by Anurag Bajpai, Additional Secretary in the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence (MoD), will focus on areas such as small arms and ammunition, armoured vehicles, unmanned systems, telecom equipment, and cyber defence.
The two-day trip coincides with India's ongoing discussions with Nigeria regarding the Tejas single-engine Light Combat Aircraft export.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Tejas is being considered as a replacement for Nigeria's ageing fleet of Chengdu F-7Ni, Alpha Jet, and MiG-21 fighter jets, competing notably against the Chinese JF-17 'Thunder.'
The F-7Nis, of Chinese origin and manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), have recently undergone significant refurbishment to extend their operational life.
In December, the CFO of HAL, C B Ananthakrishnan, informed the media about ongoing discussions with Nigeria regarding the Tejas-LCA, stating that it is still in the early stages of negotiation.
A 33-member delegation, comprising prominent defence PSUs and private companies such as HAL, Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Mazagoan Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Goa Shipyards, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited, L&T, Bharat Forge, MKU Limited, is currently in Nigeria.
The delegation, organized by the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), also includes startups such as Zen Technologies, Tonbo Imaging India Private Limited, Ikran Aerospace & Technologies Limited, SMPP Private Limited, and Big Bang Boom Solutions Private Limited.
The Nigerian Ministry of Defence has expressed interest in collaborative efforts between Indian defence industries and the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria to enhance bilateral cooperation in the sector, reports Indian Media.
In order to facilitate agreements, the government is expected to capitalize on funding support and the longstanding defence relationships with Nigeria.
“We are having discussions for defence deals worth over $1 billion to boost the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria for the achievement of 40 per cent self-sufficiency with the cooperation of the Indian government, “said Ajuri Ngelale, spokesperson of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, ahead of G-20 summit last year.