PM Modi's moments with Air Chief before becoming first & only PM to fly in 'Made in India' Tejas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi soared through the skies aboard the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on Saturday, November 25. This event marked Prime Minister Modi as the first and only Indian PM to have flown in an indigenous combat fighter jet completely designed and developed in India.

The sortie, lasting approximately 30 minutes, witnessed the Prime Minister alongside Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, who supervised the arrangements from the ground ahead of Modi's flight. Group Captain Debanjan Mandal piloted the indigenous aircraft. Following the sortie, CAS also felicitated the Prime Minister. 

Expressing his pride in India's advancements, PM Modi stated, “Flying in Tejas today, 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, HAL, as well as all Indians.”

This flight of the Prime Minister underscores the nation's dedication to self-reliance, resonating with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, had previously said, “the program has been the harbinger of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives of the nation."

IAF plans for additional LCA MK1As

Highlighting plans to bolster the Indian Air Force's inventory, Air Chief Marshal announced intentions to procure around 100 more indigenous LCA Mark 1A fighter jets. The acquisition aims to replace the ageing MiG series fleet, ensuring adequate numbers of LCA class aircraft within the inventory.

“The LCA was developed from the ground up for replacement of the large MiG series fleet including the MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 aircraft. With the phasing out of all these aircraft, it is essential that we have adequate numbers of the LCA class aircraft in our inventory. So, apart from the 83 LCA Mark 1A that we have already contracted for, we are moving a case for around 100 more aircraft,” Chaudhari said.

The decision to procure additional planes aligns with the review meeting held by the Indian Air Force chief, in conjunction with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and other entities involved in the indigenous fighter jet program. With this order, the Indian Air Force anticipates the incorporation of a fleet of LCA Tejas fighters, comprising 40 LCAs, over 180 LCA Mark-1A, and at least 120 LCA Mark-2 planes within the next 15 years.

The LCA Mark 1A, set to enter service in February 2024, is slated to have superior avionics and radars compared to the initial 40 LCAs in service, with over 65 percent indigenous content.
PM Modi's visit to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a key player in India's defence sector, also included a comprehensive review of manufacturing units, including the one dedicated to producing the indigenous Tejas jets.