PM Modi Soars: Takes a momentous sortie on Tejas Aircraft in Bengaluru

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently took a sortie on the indigenous light combat fighter aircraft, Tejas, in Bengaluru. His visit to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s manufacturing facility included a review of ongoing work. Modi’s positive experience on the Tejas, a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter designed for offensive air support and ground operations, emphasized his confidence in India’s indigenous capabilities.

“Successfully completed a sortie on the Tejas. The experience was incredibly enriching, significantly bolstering my confidence in our country’s indigenous capabilities, and leaving me with a renewed sense of pride and optimism about our national potential,” Modi tweeted.

Notably, the Prime Minister flew in the twin-seat trainer variant used by the Air Force and Navy. The Tejas program, initiated in the late 1980s to replace aging MiG-21s, plays a crucial role in modernizing the Indian Air Force. The plan is to replace MiG-21s with Tejas Mark 1A aircraft by 2025. A naval variant is also being tested for Ground Maritime Operations.

During Modi’s state visit to the US, a significant agreement was signed with HAL and General Electric (GE) to manufacture F414 fighter engines for Tejas Mark 2, an advanced variant. The F404 GE engine currently powers the Mark 1 variant.

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The Tejas journey began on January 4, 2001, when it took its first flight, marking a historic moment for the Indian Air Force. President Droupadi Murmu also recently took her maiden sortie in the Su-30MKI fighter jet, showcasing the continuous efforts to enhance India’s air capabilities.

The Modi government has significantly advanced defense preparedness and indigenization, particularly with the Tejas aircraft. Two IAF squadrons, 45 Squadron and 18 Squadron, are fully operational with LCA Tejas since its induction in 2016. A substantial order of ₹36,468 crore for 83 LCA Mk 1A aircraft, scheduled for delivery starting February 2024, showcases the government’s commitment.

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Notably, over ₹9,000 crore has been allocated for the development of LCA Mk 2, an enhanced version of Tejas. To bolster indigenization, Transfer of Technology for manufacturing the GE engine in India was negotiated during the Prime Minister’s visit to the US in June 2023.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s record defense exports of ₹15,920 crore in FY 2022-2023. In October, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari revealed plans for a ₹1.15 lakh crore deal to procure an additional 97 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft and upgrade 84 Sukhoi-30MKI jets at a cost of ₹60,000 crore.

The defense ministry previously sealed a ₹48,000-crore deal with HAL for 83 Tejas MK-1A jets. With the new 97 Tejas Mark-1A jets, the IAF’s indigenously-developed aircraft procurement would total 180.

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Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari mentioned the potential contract with HAL for 156 light combat helicopters (LCH), including 66 for the IAF. Currently operating 10 LCH, the IAF aims to enhance its fleet.

Regarding the timeline for LCA Mark-1A delivery, the production rate of 15 annually may increase through collaboration with the private sector. The Chief of Air Staff clarified that the procurement of LCA-Mark-1A jets is independent of future Tejas Mark-2 Light Combat Aircraft acquisitions, with the anticipated first flight of Tejas Mark2 expected by 2025.

In the broader context, the Tejas program reflects India’s commitment to technological advancement and self-reliance in defense. The successful development and testing of indigenous fighter aircraft contribute significantly to the country’s defense capabilities and bolster national pride.