“PM Modi Makes History with Tejas Fighter Jet Sortie, Boosting Aatmanirbharta in Indian Defense”
November 25, In an unprecedented display of national pride, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi etched his name in history by embarking on a 30-minute sortie aboard the indigenously designed Tejas Twin Seat Light Combat Fighter aircraft in Bengaluru. This momentous event, conducted at the Aircraft Systems Testing Establishment, Bengaluru, marked the maiden instance of an Indian Prime Minister piloting a fighter aircraft, underscoring India’s prowess in indigenous defense manufacturing. PM Modi became the first Prime Minister to fly in fighter aircraft.
Prime Minister Modi’s Memorable Experience
Attired in a G-suit, PM Modi was aboard an aircraft flown by Group Captain Debanjan Mandal. The sortie was carried out from the Aircraft Systems Testing Establishment, Bengaluru. During the 30-minute sortie, capabilities of fighter aircraft Tejas were demonstrated to the prime minister. During the sortie, PM Modi, seated in the twin-seat trainer variant operated by the Air Force and Navy, witnessed firsthand the capabilities of the Tejas fighter. “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,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter). This bold move by the Prime Minister echoes the strong impetus he has given to Aatmanirbharta in defense manufacturing.
Aatmanirbharta in Action: Tejas Twin Seat Light Combat Fighter
The Tejas fighter jet, designed and developed by DRDO, stands as a critical asset for the Indian Air Force (IAF) in countering regional challenges, particularly from China and Pakistan. PM Modi’s flight coincides with the defense ministry’s approval of an order for an additional 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), affirming the pivotal role of Tejas in India’s defense strategy.
The Tejas Twin Seat Light Combat Fighter signifies a significant achievement in India’s defense capabilities. Developed indigenously, the aircraft showcases contemporary concepts and technologies, including quadruplex fly-by-wire flight control, carefree maneuvering, an advanced glass cockpit, integrated digital avionics systems, and advanced composite materials for the airframe.
PM Modi’s sortie on the Tejas is more than a symbolic gesture; it reflects a strategic move towards boosting Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense. The Prime Minister’s confidence in the indigenous capabilities of Tejas serves as a morale boost for scientists, engineers, and the entire defense manufacturing ecosystem. With the defense ministry greenlighting additional Tejas orders, this marks a significant leap in recognizing and promoting homegrown defense technologies.
IAF Test Crew and Operational Success
The Indian Air Force (IAF) test crew played a pivotal role in the Tejas project, contributing from the conceptual stage to prototype testing. Since its induction into the IAF in 2016, two squadrons—namely the 45 Squadron (‘Flying Daggers’) and the 18 Squadron (‘Flying Bullets’)—are fully operational with Tejas. An order worth Rs 36,468 Crore for 83 LCA Mk 1A aircraft has been placed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with deliveries scheduled to commence by February 2024.
The Tejas Twin Seat Light Combat Fighter represents a 4.5-generation multi-role aircraft designed to excel in offensive air support and close combat operations. Its lightweight design, composite structure, and impressive safety track record underscore the technological prowess achieved by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with DRDO.
Strategic Expansion and Technological Advancements
With 40 Tejas MK-1 aircraft already operational and an order for 83 Tejas MK-1A fighters in progress, the Indian Air Force is positioning itself for a strategic overhaul. The successful participation of Tejas in international events like the Dubai Air Show highlights its growing global recognition. Furthermore, plans for the Tejas Mark-2, aimed at enhancing combat range and weapon-carrying capacity, showcase India’s commitment to continuous technological advancement.
During Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to the US, key agreements were signed with HAL and General Electric (GE) for manufacturing F414 fighter engines to power Tejas Mark 2. This collaboration signifies India’s determination to elevate its defense capabilities by incorporating advanced technologies. The commitment of over Rs 9000 Crore for the development of LCA Mk 2 underscores the nation’s dedication to indigenization and self-sufficiency.
Acknowledging the importance of indigenization, more than Rs 9000 Crore has been sanctioned for the development of LCA Mk 2—a more lethal version of the Tejas. This investment includes efforts to promote indigenous manufacturing of the aircraft engine. During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US in June 2023, a significant agreement was reached with General Electric (GE) for the Transfer of Technology to manufacture the GE engine in India.
Future Prospects: Tejas as the Backbone of Indian Air Force
With plans to increase HAL’s capacity from building 8 to 24 LCA aircraft per year by 2025, Tejas is poised to become the largest fleet of fighter aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force. This reflects India’s commitment to self-sufficiency and technological advancements in the defense sector.
Encouraging Aeronautics Ecosystem
Prime Minister Modi’s historic sortie not only exemplifies his confidence in indigenous defense capabilities but also serves as a catalyst for the aeronautics ecosystem. This momentous event is expected to provide a significant boost to Aatmanirbharta in the defense sector, inspiring scientists, engineers, and the entire defense manufacturing fraternity.
The Tejas Twin Seat Light Combat Fighter sortie by Prime Minister Modi is a testament to India’s journey toward self-reliance in defense, showcasing the nation’s ability to develop and operate cutting-edge fighter aircraft. This event stands as a beacon of pride, underlining India’s position as a key player in the global defense landscape.
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