INDIA: The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) known as Tejas has successfully completed seven years of service in the Indian Air Force (IAF) as of Saturday. Designed to perform various roles including Air Defence, Maritime Reconnaissance, and Strike, the multi-role aircraft has proven its capabilities over the years.
The Tejas, which was named in 2003, offers carefree handling and enhanced manoeuvrability. Its potential is further bolstered by its Multi-Mode Airborne radar, Helmet Mounted Display, Self-protection suite, and Laser Designation Pod.
The aircraft was initially introduced into the No 45 Squadron, famously known as the “Flying Daggers.” The squadron has transitioned from flying Vampires to Gnats, and later the “MiG-21 Bis” before adopting the Tejas as their current aircraft.
It’s worth noting that each of the aircraft flown by the Flying Daggers has been either manufactured in India under license production or designed and developed domestically.
In May 2020, the No 18 Squadron became the second IAF unit to operate the Tejas, as stated in an official announcement.
The IAF has showcased India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities by exhibiting the Tejas at several international events, including LIMA-2019 in Malaysia, Dubai Air Show-2021, Sri Lanka Air Force anniversary celebrations in 2021, Singapore Air Show-2022, and Aero India Shows from 2017 to 2023.
Although the aircraft has previously participated in exercises with foreign air forces within India, the Ex-Desert Flag in the United Arab Emirates in March 2023 marked the Tejas’ maiden exercise on foreign soil.
The IAF’s confidence in the Tejas is evident from its order for 83 LCA Mk-1A, which will feature updated avionics, an Active Electronically Steered Radar, an updated Electronic Warfare suite, and Beyond Visual Range missile capability.
The new variant will have the ability to engage targets from increased stand-off ranges and will primarily utilize indigenous weaponry. Consequently, the LCA MK-1A is expected to significantly increase the overall indigenous content of the aircraft.
Contracted deliveries are set to commence in February 2024. In the years ahead, the Tejas and its future variants will play a vital role in the Indian Air Force’s fleet.
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