Recently, Malaysia announced procuring 18 Tejas fighter jets. US, Argentia, Australia, Egypt, Indonesia, and the Philippines have also shown interest. Tejas can carry up to nine tonnes and can fly Mach 1.6 to 1.8 at an altitude of 52,000 ft. This multi-functional fighter aircraft has better fighter power. It has an active electronically-scanned radar for critical operation. It can refuel in the air and is capable of targeting enemy aircraft from a distance. It can also dodge the enemy’s radar. Tejas was inducted into the Indian Air Force unit in 2016. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is entrusted to manufacture Tejas jets. Govt awarded Rs 48,000 cr to deliver 83 Tejas jets by 2023.
