PM Modi Takes a Sortie On Tejas, Know 10 Interesting Facts About Tejas Aircraft
PM Narendra Modi achieved a historical milestone on 26th Nov, 2023 by flying in Tejas, marking the first time a sitting PM took sortie in the indigenously-built light combat fighter aircraft.
Nigam Sharma28 Nov, 2023
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PM Modi Takes a Sortie on Tejas Aircraft: During his visit to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the skies aboard Tejas. As part of a thorough review, he examined HAL's manufacturing facility, specifically the production of light combat aircraft. According to reports, the Prime Minister's flight lasted around 45 minutes.
PM Modi Takes a Sortie On Tejas In Bengaluru
Wearing an olive green G-suit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a sortie aboard the indigenous twin-seater trainer variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas during his visit to HAL in Bengaluru. Although the Tejas is generally designed as a single-seater fighter aircraft, the Prime Minister chose to embark on a sortie in the twin-seat trainer variant, used by both the Air Force and the Navy. Manufactured by HAL, this Tejas variant was handed over to the Indian Air Force on October 4, enhancing the country's indigenous capabilities. The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter aircraft, is manufactured to provide offensive air support and offer close combat assistance for ground operations. Modi expressed his enriched experience, boosting confidence in India's potential. Subsequently, the Prime Minister headed to Telangana for BJP campaign activities. HAL delivered the first Tejas twin-seater on October 4, with plans to procure more, totaling 220 in the Indian Air Force's inventory. The LCA Tejas is a 4.5-generation, multi-role aircraft, featuring advanced technologies. The trainer variant completed its inaugural flight six months ago, showcasing its capabilities. After the flight, which took off from HAL Airport and lasted several minutes, Modi posted on X: “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.” “I can say with immense pride that due to our hard work and dedication, we are no less than anyone in the world in the field of self-reliance. Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Air Force, DRDO and HAL as well as all Indians,” Modi further said. During his recent visit to the United States, PM Modi reiterated his commitment to self-reliance. Following this, a significant agreement was reached between GE Aerospace and HAL for jointly manufacturing engines for the Tejas Mk-II fighter jet, aligning with the Prime Minister's vision for bolstering national defense through self-sufficiency. Currently, the Indian Air Force operates 40 Tejas MK-1 aircraft, and a substantial order for 83 Tejas MK-1A fighters, valued at ₹36,468 crore, is in progress. The LCA Tejas showcased its capabilities at the Dubai Air Show earlier this month, participating in both static and aerial displays.10 Interesting Facts About Tejas Fighter Aircraft
The Indian Air Force is currently in command of two squadrons equipped with the LCA Tejas: No. 45 Squadron, renowned as the Flying Daggers, and No. 18 Squadron, recognised as the Flying Bullets.- Indigenous Development: Tejas is India's first indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA), developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- Multi-Role Capability: Designed as a multi-role fighter, Tejas can perform various missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
- Lightweight Construction: The aircraft features a lightweight airframe made of advanced composite materials, enhancing its agility and reducing radar cross-section.
- Advanced Avionics: Tejas is equipped with modern avionics, including a glass cockpit, hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls, and advanced radar and sensor systems.
- Variants: Tejas comes in different variants, including the single-seat Tejas Mk-1, the twin-seat trainer variant, and the upgraded Tejas Mk-1A with enhanced capabilities.
- Combat-Ready: Tejas has been integrated with a variety of weapons, such as air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, precision-guided munitions, and a 23 mm twin-barrel GSh-23 cannon.
- GE-F404 Engine: Powered by a GE F404-GE-IN20 engine, Tejas can achieve a top speed of over Mach 1.8 and has a service ceiling of 50,000 feet.
- Successful Maiden Flight: The first successful flight of the Tejas prototype took place in 2001, and it received initial operational clearance in 2013.
- Operational Deployment: Tejas has been inducted into the Indian Air Force, with the No. 45 Squadron "Flying Daggers" being the first squadron to operate the aircraft.
- Export Potential: With its advanced capabilities and indigenous development, Tejas has the potential for export to other nations, contributing to India's aerospace industry.
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PM Modi Sortie in Tejas Aircraft FAQs
Q1. Why did PM Modi take a sortie on the Tejas aircraft?
Ans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a sortie on the Tejas during his visit to HAL in Bengaluru to review the manufacturing facility and showcase India's indigenous capabilities.
Q2. What variant of Tejas did PM Modi fly?
Ans. PM Modi flew the twin-seater trainer variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas during his sortie in Bengaluru.
Q3. Who manufactures the Tejas aircraft?
Ans. The Tejas aircraft is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Q4. When was the Tejas twin-seater variant handed over to the Indian Air Force?
Ans. The twin-seater variant of Tejas was handed over to the Indian Air Force on October 4, enhancing the country's indigenous capabilities.
Q5. What does the Tejas aircraft contribute to India's defense capabilities?
Ans. The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter designed to provide offensive air support and close combat assistance for ground operations.
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