[ad_1]
posted by: Kavya Mishra
Last updated: June 30, 2023, 6:28 PM IST
Indian Air Force (IAF) LCA Tejas. (Reuters)
In February 2021, the ministry struck a ₹48,000 crore deal with state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for the purchase of 83 Tejas MK-1A aircraft for the IAF.
The Indian Air Force is expected to receive shipments of the Tejas MK-1A light combat aircraft from February next year, and the new variant of the indigenously manufactured aircraft will be capable of launching a large number of weapons, including missiles beyond visual range, according to the ministry. defense said on Friday.
With the aircraft completing seven years of service in the Indian Air Force, the ministry said the aircraft and its future variants will form the mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
In February 2021, the ministry struck a ₹48,000 crore deal with state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for the purchase of 83 Tejas MK-1A aircraft for the IAF.
Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft capable of operating in highly hazardous air environments.
Egypt, Argentina, the United States, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines are among the countries showing great interest in purchasing Tejas aircraft.
On Saturday, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) will complete seven years of service in the Israeli Air Force. “The confidence that the Israeli Air Force has in Tejas is borne by its command of 83 LCA MK-1A,” the ministry said.
The LCA MK-1A will have “upgraded avionics as well as an active electronically homing radar, an upgraded electronic warfare suite and a missile capability beyond visual range,” the ministry said.
“The new variant will be able to fire a large number of weapons from increased confrontation ranges. Many of these weapons will be of domestic origin. The LCA MK-1A will see a significant increase in the aircraft’s GLC,” the ministry said.
It said deliveries of the aircraft are expected to begin in February 2024.
Tejas is designed for air defense, naval reconnaissance and strike roles.
The ministry said Tejas offers carefree handling and improved maneuverability, and that capability is further enhanced by its multi-mode mobile radar, helmet-mounted display, self-protection kit and laser designation pod.
The first squadron of the IAF to field Tejas was No. 45 Squadron, “Flying Daggers”.
Over the years, the squadron progressed from vampires to Gnats and then to the MiG-21 Bisos, before being outfitted with its current steed.
Every Flying Daggers aircraft is built in India – either under a production license or designed and developed in India.
In May 2020, No. 18 Squadron became the second Indian Air Force unit to operate Tejas.
The IAF showcased India’s domestic aviation capabilities by displaying the aircraft at several international events, including at the Dubai Air Show in 2021, the Sri Lankan Air Force’s anniversary celebrations in 2021, the Singapore Air Show last year, and the Aero India shows from 2017 to 2020. 2023.
While it has already participated in exercises with foreign air forces domestically, Exercise Desert Flag in the United Arab Emirates in March was Tejas’ first exercise on foreign soil.
(This story was not edited by the News18 staff and was published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)
[ad_2]
