Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history today as he flew in the indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured Tejas Twin Seat Light Combat Fighter aircraft. The momentous event took place in Bengaluru, where the Prime Minister experienced a 30-minute sortie, showcasing the capabilities of the fighter aircraft.
This marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has flown in a fighter aircraft, highlighting the nation’s progress in Aatmanirbharta, or self-reliance, in defense manufacturing. PM Modi commended the scientists, engineers, and flight test crew involved in the creation of the state-of-the-art Tejas aircraft, expressing pride in the capabilities of Indian engineers and scientists.
The LCA trainer, a lightweight, all-weather, multirole aircraft, can perform the roles of both a single-seat Tejas fighter and a fighter trainer. It is a testament to India’s technological advancements, incorporating contemporary concepts and technologies such as quadruplex fly-by-wire flight control, carefree maneuvering, advanced glass cockpit, and integrated digital avionics systems.
The Tejas aircraft has significantly enhanced the defense capabilities and preparedness of the nation, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) deeply involved in its development. The first version of the Tejas aircraft was inducted into the IAF in 2016, and currently, two squadrons, the 45 Squadron and 18 Squadron, are fully operational with the aircraft. The IAF has placed an order worth Rs 36,468 crore for the delivery of 83 LCA Mk 1A aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin by February 2024.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturing entity behind Tejas, currently has the capacity to build eight aircraft per year. However, plans are underway to increase this to 16 aircraft per year by 2025 and eventually to 24 aircraft per year within the next three years.
The development of LCA Mk 2, an upgraded and more formidable version of the Tejas aircraft, has also received a significant boost with over Rs 9000 crore sanctioned for its development.
In a further endeavor to promote indigenization, efforts are underway to transfer the technology for the manufacturing of GE engines in India. Negotiations in this regard were initiated during PM Modi’s visit to the United States in June 2023.
The successful sortie by the Prime Minister holds great significance, inspiring the aeronautics ecosystem, and providing a substantial impetus to Aatmanirbharta in the defense sector. As India continues to make strides in the field of defense manufacturing, the Tejas aircraft is poised to become the largest fleet of fighter aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force.
This momentous occasion demonstrates India’s commitment to self-reliance, as well as the dedication and expertise of the country’s engineers, scientists, and defense personnel. With its advanced capabilities and cutting-edge technology, the Tejas aircraft symbolizes the nation’s progress in the field of indigenous defense manufacturing.
