In an unprecedented and historic moment, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi soared through the skies in the Tejas Twin Seat Light Combat Fighter aircraft, underscoring a significant milestone in India’s defence capabilities. The sortie, conducted from the Aircraft Systems Testing Establishment in Bengaluru, showcased the prowess of the indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured fighter aircraft.
A Momentous First: Prime Minister’s Memorable Flight
The 30-minute sortie was not only a demonstration of the capabilities of the Tejas aircraft but also marked the first time Indian Prime Minister Modi had flown in a fighter aircraft. PM Modi described the experience as memorable, emphasizing the technological advancements achieved by Indian scientists, engineers, and flight test crews associated with the Tejas project.
Aatmanirbharta in Defence Manufacturing: PM’s Strong Impetus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a proponent of Aatmanirbharta in defence manufacturing, applauded the dedication and expertise of the aeronautical community involved in the design, development, and production of the Tejas fighter aircraft. The flight symbolizes a leap forward in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence capabilities.
Tejas Twin Seat Aircraft: A State-of-the-Art Marvel
The Tejas Twin Seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Trainer is a groundbreaking achievement, representing a lightweight, all-weather, multi-role aircraft. It can undertake various roles, functioning both as a single-seat fighter and a fighter trainer. Notably, this is the first time an indigenous twin-seat fighter has been designed, developed, and manufactured in India.
Technological Marvels and Defence Preparedness
Equipped with advanced features such as quadruplex fly-by-wire flight control, carefree maneuvering, an advanced glass cockpit, integrated digital avionics systems, and the use of advanced composite materials for the airframe, the Tejas Twin Seat Aircraft is a technological marvel. It has significantly enhanced the nation’s defence capabilities and preparedness.
Future Plans and Aatmanirbharta Boost
The Tejas project is a testament to the collaboration between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The IAF has two fully operational squadrons with LCA Tejas, and an order worth Rs 36,468 Crore for 83 LCA Mk 1A aircraft has been placed with HAL, with deliveries scheduled to commence by February 2024.
Promoting Indigenisation: The Way Forward
To further promote indigenisation, an order for the development of LCA Mk 2, an updated and more lethal version of Tejas, has been sanctioned with an allocation exceeding Rs 9000 Crore. The transfer of technology for manufacturing the GE engine in India, negotiated during PM Modi’s visit to the US in June 2023, is a significant step toward achieving self-sufficiency.
Encouraging the Aeronautics Ecosystem: Impact of PM’s Sortie
Today’s historic flight by Prime Minister Modi is expected to have a ripple effect on the aeronautics ecosystem. It serves as a catalyst, boosting morale and inspiring the aeronautical community to strive for excellence. The commitment to increasing Tejas production capacity and promoting indigenisation aligns with the vision of making Tejas the largest fleet of fighter aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force in the coming years.
