In a historic moment for the Indian Air Force (IAF) Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Prime Minister to fly the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’ when he co-piloted a trainer version of the aircraft on Saturday. The sortie was in the twin-seater trainer variant which is being operated by the IAF and the navy.
He got the first-hand experience of Made in India LCA when he was accompanied by an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot attired in a G-suite. The LCA took off from the airport of the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bengaluru.
PM Modi visited HAL on Saturday and according to officials he reviewed the ongoing work at its manufacturing facility.
After the sortie which lasted a few minutes, the Prime Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Successfully completed a sortie on the Tejas. The experience was incredibly enriching, significantly bolstering my confidence in our country’s indigenous capabilities, and leaving me with a renewed sense of pride and optimism about our national potential.”
About LCA ‘Tejas’
The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, a product of collaborative efforts between the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has been a stalwart in the IAF arsenal for over seven years. Currently, the IAF operates two squadrons of the Tejas: No 45 Squadron, known as the ‘Flying Daggers,’ and No 18 Squadron, the ‘Flying Bullets.’
Introduced in 2003, the Tejas stands as a testament to indigenous aerospace capabilities. It serves as a multi-role platform excelling in Air Defence, Maritime Reconnaissance, and Strike roles. The IAF’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities is evident in the order for 83 LCA Mk-1A variants, featuring upgraded avionics, an Active Electronically Steered Radar, an updated Electronic Warfare suite, and Beyond Visual Range missile capability.
This new variant aims to extend the aircraft’s capabilities by enabling it to fire an array of weapons from increased stand-off ranges, many of which are of indigenous origin. The IAF anticipates the contracted deliveries to commence in February 2024, marking a substantial increase in the overall indigenous content of the aircraft.
The Tejas, a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter, distinguishes itself as the smallest and lightest in its class. Its composite structure contributes to its lightweight design, coupled with an impressive safety track record of accident-free flying. Notable figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, badminton player PV Sindu, and Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, have co-piloted the Tejas, showcasing its versatility.
Foreign dignitaries, such as General David L Goldfein and General André Lanata, have also flown the Tejas, underscoring its international recognition. The IAF has strategically exhibited the Tejas at various international events, including LIMA-2019, Dubai Air Show-2021, and Singapore Air Show-2022, highlighting India’s prowess in aerospace technology.
In a historic move during Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to the US, India signed an agreement with HAL and General Electric (GE) to manufacture the F414 fighter engines, destined to power the Tejas Mark 2 fighter jets. This advanced variant of Tejas Mark 1A will feature the F404 GE engine, already propelling the Mark 1 variant.
The Tejas program, initiated in the late 1980s, aims to replace the ageing MiG-21 aircraft by 2025. The MiG-21, in service since 1963, faces retirement, with only two operational squadrons currently in the air force. The phased introduction of the Tejas underscores a strategic shift toward modernization.
HAL & LCA
HAL’s significant role in manufacturing the Tejas, including the development of a twin-seater version, further cements India’s position among elite nations possessing such capabilities. The home-built fly-by-wire system in the Tejas stands out as a key achievement for HAL, showcasing technological prowess.
The Tejas continues to make international strides, with its maiden foreign exercise, Ex-Desert Flag, in the United Arab Emirates in March 2023. This exercise not only marked a milestone for the Tejas but also demonstrated its operational adaptability on foreign soil.
Participation in the Dubai Air Show showcased the Tejas’ prowess through static and aerial displays, reaffirming its status as a formidable fighter aircraft. The order of 18 twin-seaters from the IAF, with planned deliveries through 2026-27, reflects confidence in the continued development of this indigenous marvel.
As the Tejas takes center stage in India’s air defence strategy, its evolution from conceptualization in the late 1980s to its current status as a frontline fighter jet mirrors India’s commitment to self-reliance and technological advancement. The Tejas’ journey, marked by international collaborations, strategic displays, and continuous upgrades, positions it as a symbol of India’s aerospace prowess on the global stage.