New Delhi, August 18Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for setting up an office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.The office will help the HAL tap new business opportunities as it is in the race for selling Tejas fighter jets to Malaysia. The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) flies Sukhoi-30 MKM and BAE Hawk, both used by the IAF.It will reinforce India’s commitment to support the Malaysian Defence Forces and industry for sustainable aerospace and defence landscape in Malaysia.The HAL had submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Defence, Malaysia, in October 2021 for the supply of 18 light combat aircraft (LCA) against a global tender. The final winner of the tender is expected to be declared soon by the Malaysian authorities. The LCA Tejas stands a fair chance of selection in the bid as it meets all parameters sought by the RMAF.The HAL’s office in Kuala Lumpur will be responsible for market promotion in the entire South East Asia.The MoU was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, High Commissioner of India in Malaysia BN Reddy and Additional Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjay Jaju.
