Botswana • Gaborone looks to procure Indian HAL fighter aircraft

The Botswana Defence Force is in talks with India's state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) with a view to acquiring several of its Tejas fighter planes.

The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Air Wing is seeking to replace its aging fleet of Canadair CF-5 fighter aircraft, which were acquired from Canada in 1996. The BDF currently operates 10 CF-5A single-seat fighters and 3 CF-5D two-seat trainers. However, increasing maintenance costs and technological obsolescence have prompted the BDF to evaluate options for new aircraft acquisition or fleet modernization since 2013.

The BDF has previously considered other fighter aircraft options, including the Saab JAS 39 Gripen from Sweden and the KAI T-50/FA-50 from South Korea. However, budgetary constraints and other factors have prevented these projects from moving forward. Other manufacturers such as General Dynamics, Saab, and Leonardo have also been in the mix for upgrading Gaborone's air force capabilities.

The interest in HAL Tejas fighters comes as neighboring countries in the region have been strengthening their air forces. For instance, Zambia has upgraded its MiG-21 aircraft, while Namibia has procured F-7NM fighter aircraft from China. These regional developments have influenced Botswana's defense planning and procurement considerations.

The negotiations with HAL represent a potential shift in Botswana's defense procurement strategy, as the country explores cost-effective solutions to modernize its air force while managing budgetary limitations. The Tejas, being an indigenous Indian fighter aircraft, may offer a more affordable alternative compared to Western-made fighters.

However, the current status of the negotiations and whether a final procurement decision has been made remain unclear. Changes at the top of the Botswanan military leadership, including figures such as Hendrick Rakgantswana, have previously given fresh impetus to negotiations for acquiring new combat aircraft, though budgetary constraints continue to be a central issue in any potential acquisition.

Source: Africa Intelligence, 16 March 2023

Photo: Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh speaks to the media after flying aboard a Tejas fighter jet in September 2019. (Photo by © Jagadeesh NV/EPA/Newscom/MaxPPP)

Editor: Lina Van Rensburg (©XAirForces News Editor from South Africa)

Keywords: Botswana, Gaborone, HAL, Hindustan Aeronautics, Tejas, fighter aircraft, Botswana Defence Force, BDF, CF-5, Canadair, Saab Gripen, KAI T-50, FA-50, General Dynamics, Leonardo, Hendrick Rakgantswana, military procurement, Africa, air force modernization

Botswana • Gaborone looks to procure Indian HAL fighter aircraft

(16.03.2023)