A Pioneering Moment in Indian Aviation
In a groundbreaking event, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, achieved a historic milestone by taking to the skies in the country’s very own Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. This marks a significant moment for indigenous aeronautics, showcasing India’s capabilities in designing and developing advanced fighter jets.
Modi Takes the Pilot’s Seat in Tejas
BENGALURU, India witnessed a historic moment as Prime Minister Modi co-piloted a trainer variant of the Tejas, the first-ever homegrown fighter jet, from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Airport in Bengaluru. Clad in a G-suit and helmet, Modi communicated seamlessly with the Indian Air Force pilot during the 30-minute sortie, an experience he later shared on his social media platform.
Tejas, a Symbol of Indian Pride
A flight to remember! Tejas is India’s pride, a manifestation of the strength and skills of 140 crore Indians. pic.twitter.com/n8hZk6fGKc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 25, 2023
Prime Minister Modi expressed his pride in India’s technological prowess, hailing the Tejas as a manifestation of the strength and skills of 1.4 billion Indians. In a tweet, he called the Tejas a symbol of national pride and acknowledged its role as a cornerstone in the Indian Air Force’s fleet, highlighting its carefree handling and enhanced maneuverability.
The Tejas Journey: From Concept to Reality
The Tejas, designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by HAL, stands as the culmination of India’s largest research and development initiative spanning over three decades. Inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2016, the Tejas has become a symbol of technological prowess, with the first operational squadron, the No 45 Flying Daggers, taking flight in 2018.
Advancements and Future Prospects
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. pic.twitter.com/4aO6Wf9XYO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 25, 2023
With an array of features including a multi-mode airborne radar, a helmet-mounted display, and beyond visual range missile capabilities, the Tejas has garnered significant attention. The government’s recent order of 83 LCA Mk 1A Tejas aircraft, valued at approximately $4.9 billion, underlines India’s commitment to fortifying its defense capabilities. Scheduled deliveries are set to begin by February 2024.
Tejas Mk 2: A Glimpse into the Future
Investments exceeding $1.2 billion have been allocated for the development of the LCA Mk 2, a more lethal variant set to feature enhanced avionics, active electronically steered radar, and beyond visual range missile capabilities. Expected to make its maiden flight in 2025 and enter service by 2030, the Mk 2 aims to further bolster India’s defense capabilities with improved thrust, increased payload, and advanced stealth features.
International Interest and Defense Diplomacy
Beyond India’s borders, the Tejas has piqued the interest of several nations, including Egypt, Argentina, the US, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. As India seeks to export the Tejas, the aircraft becomes a key player in defense diplomacy, showcasing India’s technological might on the global stage.
A Nation Celebrates Modi’s Flight in Tejas
Modi’s flight in the Tejas resonated widely across India, with citizens expressing admiration and pride on social media. The event not only celebrated the Prime Minister’s daring flight but also lauded the scientists, engineers, and technicians behind the Tejas project for their remarkable achievement in advancing India’s aerospace capabilities.
