TATV Defence Monthly from The Middle East, Africa & South Asia

Turkish overtures aimed at procuring new Lockheed Martin F-16V Vipers from the USA could see a softening in the stand-off between the two countries.

Meanwhile a maiden flight for Kuwait’s new Eurofighter Typhoons, saw celebrations in the Gulf as Leonardo progresses the programme.

And the US-based conversion training came to an end for Nigeria’s A-29 Tucano pilots ahead of the delivery of more light attack aircraft for the West African nation.

The team also spent a couple of days with Thales in France, where they saw the SpyRanger UAV, which is already saving lives in Mali, and got a good briefing on the Talios targeting pod. The pod is already in frontline service with the French Armée de l’Air and Aeronavale, and also with the Egyptian Air Force.

Jay Menon talks about the Made in India programme and how it is changing procurement in the country and also sees more export opportunities for Tejas.

While in Bangladesh, reports are that the nation could be stepping up it fighter capabilities.