Bengaluru: HAL signed an MoU for establishing an office in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) in the presence of Dr Ajay Kumar, Secretary, Defence. The MoU was signed by Ravi K, GM, LCA, HAL and Major (R) Mohd Husairi Bin Mat Zain of Forte Drus, the official representative of HAL in Malaysia. BN Reddy, High Commissioner of India in Malaysia, Sanjay Jaju, Additional Secretary (Defence Production) and others were present on the occasion.
The office in Malaysia will help HAL in tapping the new business opportunities for Fighter Lead-in Trainer (FLIT) LCA and other requirements of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) like Su-30 MKM and Hawk upgrades. It will reinforce the commitment of India to supporting the Malaysian Defence Forces and industry for sustainable aerospace and defence landscape in Malaysia. HAL submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), Malaysia in October 2021 for the supply of 18 FLIT LCAs against a global tender issued by RMAF. The final winner of the tender is expected to be declared soon by Malaysian authorities. LCA Tejas stands a fair chance of selection in the bid as it meets all the parameters sought by RMAF.