The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) finished seven years of service in the Indian Air Force on July 1, 2023. The aircraft, christened Tejas in 2003, is a multi-role platform that rates among the best in its class. It is intended to perform air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions. The Tejas’ inherent instability allows for easy handling and increased manoeuvrability. Its Multi-Mode Airborne Radar, Helmet Mounted Display, Self-protection package, and Laser Designation Pod add to this capability.
Future Backbone of the IAF
The ‘Flying Daggers’ were the first IAF squadron to receive the Tejas. The squadron travelled through Vampires, Gnats, and the MiG-21 Bis before being equipped with its current horse. Each of the aircraft flown by the Flying Daggers was built in India, either through licence production or through in-house design and development. No 18 Squadron became the second IAF unit to fly the Tejas in May 2020.
The IAF has displayed the aircraft in different foreign 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. While the Tejas had previously participated in domestic exercises with foreign air forces, Ex-Desert Flag in the United Arab Emirates in March 2023 was the Tejas’ first exercise on foreign land.
The IAF’s faith in the Tejas is seen in its order for 83 LCA Mk-1As, which have new avionics, an Active Electronically Steered Radar, an enhanced Electronic Warfare suite, and a Beyond Visual Range missile capability. The new model will be able to fire a variety of weapons at greater stand-off distances. Many of these weapons are indigenous in nature. The entire indigenous content of the LCA MK-1A will be significantly increased. The aircraft will be delivered under contract beginning in February 2024. The LCA and its subsequent derivatives will be the backbone of the Indian Air Force in the coming years.
Glimpses of Tejas
To crack the SSB Interview and join the Indian Army as an Officer, You can join our SSB interview live classes batch and we recommend you to Enroll SSB INTERVIEW ONLINE COURSE. Trusted by thousands of defence aspirants.
Also read:
- Top 5 Fastest Fighter Jets In The World
- Top 5 Fighter Jets Of Indian Air Force
- Top 10 Combat Drones In The World
- Why IAF Su-30 MKI Is The Backbone Of The Fighter Fleet?
- All About C-295 Aircraft Being Manufactured By Tata And Airbus
- Difference Between IAF Rafale VS IAF Sukhoi 30
- Everything You Need To Know About Rafale Fighter Jet
- Why India Chose Dassault Rafale Over Eurofighter Typhoon
- Comparing Rafale And F-35: Who Will Win?
- All You Need To Know About Indian Air Force Fighter Aircraft
- All Fighter Aircraft Of India – How To Identify Them
- All About India’s 5th Generation Fighter Jet ‘AMCA’
- How HAL Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Is Going To Help Indian Air Force?
- All Fighter Jet Acquisitions By The IAF
