Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently co-piloted the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas, becoming the first Prime Minister to fly the aircraft. The sortie lasted a few minutes and took off from the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) Airport in Bengaluru. Mr. Modi, attired in a G-suit, expressed his confidence in India's indigenous capabilities and his pride in the country's potential.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL created and developed the Tejas, which has been a part of the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet for over seven years. The IAF currently operates two squadrons of the aircraft. The Tejas is a multi-role platform designed for air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike roles. The IAF has already placed an order for 83 LCA Mk-1A with updated avionics and capabilities. The new variant will have increased indigenous content, and deliveries are expected to begin in February 2024.
The IAF plans to procure an additional 97 LCAs, bringing the total to 220 in its inventory. Mr. Modi's flight is expected to boost the procurement of the Tejas, with the defence acquisition council likely to approve the purchase of 97 more aircraft.
Other notable individuals who have co-piloted the Tejas include Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, badminton player PV Sindu, and Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen. Foreign dignitaries, such as General David L. Goldfein and General André Lanata, have also flown the Tejas. The IAF has showcased the Tejas at various international events to demonstrate India's indigenous aerospace capabilities. The aircraft participated in its first exercise on foreign soil, Ex-Desert Flag in the United Arab Emirates, in March 2023.
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