Malaysia considers purchase of Indian jet fighters

Kashmir tensions fail to stymie trade as Kuala Lumpur looks to upgrade air force

20191122 INDIA-DEFENCE/

India's light combat aircraft Tejas lands at an airbase on the outskirts of New Delhi in October. The fighter is claimed to be a good choice to upgrade Malaysia's air force. © Reuters

KIRAN SHARMA, Nikkei staff writer

NEW DELHI -- Malaysia has expressed interest in purchasing India's Tejas multi-role combat aircraft, despite strained ties with New Delhi over Kashmir.

State-run Hindustan Aeronautics, manufacturer of the single-engine jet touted as the world's lightest supersonic fighter, appears keen to submit a bid early next year to supply up to 36 of the aircraft to the Royal Malaysian Air Force, according to defense-related sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.

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