(Photo: Vayu)
On 1 July 2023, the indigenous Light
Combat Aircraft (LCA) completed seven years of service in the Indian Air Force.
Christened Tejas in 2003, the aircraft is a multi- role platform that ranks
amongst the best in its class. It has been designed to undertake the Air
Defence, Maritime Reconnaissance and Strike roles. The inherently unstable
Tejas offers carefree handling and enhanced manoeuvrability. This capability is
further enhanced with its Multi-Mode Airborne radar, Helmet Mounted Display,
Self-protection suite and Laser Designation Pod.
The first IAF Squadron to induct the
Tejas was No. 45 Squadron, the 'Flying Daggers'. Over the years, the squadron
progressed from Vampires to Gnats and then onto the MiG-21 Bis, before being
equipped with its current steed. Each of the aircraft flown by the Flying
Daggers has been manufactured in India - either under license production or
having been designed and developed in India. In May 2020, No. 18 Squadron
became the second IAF unit to operate the Tejas.
The IAF has showcased India's
indigenous aerospace capabilities by displaying the aircraft at various
international events, including LIMA-2019 at 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. Whilst it had already participated in
exercises with foreign air forces domestically, Ex-Desert Flag in the United
Arab Emirates in March 2023 was the Tejas' maiden exercise on foreign soil.
The confidence that the IAF reposes in
the Tejas is borne by its order for 83 LCA Mk-1A which will have updated
avionics, as well as an AESA radar, updated Electronic Warfare suite and a
Beyond Visual Range missile capability. The new variant will be capable of
firing a plethora of weapons from increased stand-off ranges. Many of these
weapons will be of indigenous origin. The LCA MK-1A will see a substantial
increase in the overall indigenous content of the aircraft. Contracted
deliveries of the aircraft are expected to commence in February 2024. In the
years to come, the LCA and its future variants will form the mainstay of the
Indian Air Force.
(Text and
additional photos: IAF)