Indian State-owned aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a Preliminary Agreement with the Government of Malaysia for the purchase and sale of 16 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) military aircraft. Furthermore, the company communicated that it is in talks with at least three other countries that have shown interest in Made-in-India combat aircraft: these are Argentina, Egypt and Botswana.

There was a "slight setback" from tough competition with a rival Korean manufacturer. "Nothing has been put in white and black and for now, but we know that the Seoul manufacturer could receive the order". "Despite this, we are still trying to market our product", said Hal chairman and chief executive officer Shri Ananthakrishnan.

The announcement was made at a conference held during the "Aero India 2023" air show. The manager also announced that he is in talks with the Philippine government for the sale of light combat helicopters. In addition, Indian aircraft manufacturer Hal said it aims to expand its export volume to 300 million dollars within the next few years.