HAL hands over first twin seater LCA Tejas to IAF
The twin-seater Tejas MK 1A is a versatile aircraft capable of serving as both a trainer and a multi-role light fighter.
A glimpse of twin seater LCA Tejas, in Bengaluru on October 04, 2023.
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) presented the inaugural twin-seater trainer version of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas MK 1A to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Bengaluru today. This achievement marks a significant milestone in indigenous design, development, and production.
The twin-seater Tejas MK 1A is a versatile aircraft capable of serving as both a trainer and a multi-role light fighter, adapting to the demands of any situation. A senior defense analyst praised HAL’s accomplishment, stating, “The complete production of the twin-seater Tejas is a testament to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative of the Government.” He further emphasized that India stands among a select group capable of wholly designing and producing their aircraft, showcasing the country’s prowess in defense manufacturing.
seater LCA Tejas to the Indian Air Force, in Bengaluru on October 04, 2023.
It’s worth noting that the Tejas MK 1A is the result of a collaboration between the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) of HAL. Notable features of the LCA include its domestically developed Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missile, advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite, and Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) capabilities, rendering the Tejas MK 1A a formidable all-weather combat aircraft.
Tejas Milestone
HAL has an order for 18 twin-seaters from the IAF, with plans to deliver eight in the fiscal year 2023-24. Additionally, 10 more twin-seaters are slated for progressive delivery by 2026-27, and further orders are anticipated from the IAF. The Tejas MK 1A represents India’s most extensive research and development endeavour in aviation. Its inaugural flight took place in 2001, and it achieved numerous milestones since.
The Tejas MK 1A is poised to become the backbone of the IAF’s fleet in the years ahead, evidenced by HAL’s receipt of an order for 123 aircraft, 32 of which have already been supplied to the IAF. Two squadrons are currently operational within the Indian Air Force.
The series production of LCA Tejas is well underway at HAL, with the remaining aircraft scheduled for delivery by 2027-28. The successful production of the twin-seater variant will provide a significant boost to the IAF, meeting its demand for an expanded fleet.
HAL hands over the first LCA Tejas twin seater to IAF in presence of Raksha Rajya Mantri, Mr Ajay Bhatt at a ceremony in Bengaluru.“I am proud to be part of this historic occasion and salute the spirit of HAL which has been spearheading Swadeshi manufacturing in Defence”, he said pic.twitter.com/b7N8Oew3BC
— HAL (@HALHQBLR) October 4, 2023
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