In a significant stride towards the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) marked a historic moment on Wednesday as it handed over the first LCA Tejas twin-seater aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This landmark delivery underscores India’s growing prowess in indigenous defence manufacturing.
Stepping Up Production
HAL has a substantial order of 18 twin-seater LCA Tejas aircraft from the Indian Air Force and is poised to deliver eight of them during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The remaining ten aircraft will follow suit progressively and are expected to be in the IAF’s possession by 2026-27, solidifying HAL’s commitment to bolstering India’s defence capabilities.
Expanding the Tejas Fleet
The Indian Air Force, which already boasts operational squadrons of the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas, has now welcomed the first Tejas twin-seater, demonstrating the country’s stride towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. This addition to the Tejas fleet signifies a significant step in enhancing the IAF’s training capabilities while also ensuring readiness for combat when necessary.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Describing the Tejas twin-seater as a “4.5 generation aircraft,” HAL highlighted its versatility, designed to meet the training requirements of the IAF and seamlessly transition into a fighter role if needed. The aircraft incorporates cutting-edge features, including relaxed static stability, quadruplex fly-by-wire flight control, carefree manoeuvring, an advanced glass cockpit, integrated digital avionics systems, and the use of advanced composite materials for the airframe.
India’s Unique Achievement
HAL proudly declared that the production of the LCA twin-seater variant propels India into an elite group of nations capable of creating and deploying such advanced aircraft within their defence forces. This achievement underscores India’s expertise and capabilities in designing, developing, and manufacturing world-class fighters.
A Paradigm Shift in Defense Procurement
Ajay Bhatt, Minister of State (Defence), unveiled the twin-seater LCA and emphasized how the development of LCA Tejas has revolutionized India’s approach to defence procurement. It serves as a testament to India’s talent, knowledge, and ability to produce top-tier fighters indigenously.
Expanding the Tejas Fleet Further
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari announced plans for the IAF to procure an additional 97 LCAs, bringing the total count to 220 LCAs in its inventory. This strategic move underscores the IAF’s confidence in the Tejas platform and its commitment to bolstering India’s defence capabilities.
HAL’s Commitment to Deliver
HAL CMD CB Ananthakrishnan reiterated the company’s commitment to delivering all twin-seater aircraft as per the initial operational clearance (IOC) and final operational clearance (FOC) contract to the IAF within the current financial year. This commitment signifies a significant leap towards achieving self-sufficiency in the fixed-wing aircraft segment, with the added benefit of facilitating a seamless transition for pilots from trainers to fighter aircraft in this class.
