Modi becomes the first & only Indian Prime Minister to fly in a 'Made in India' combat jet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently embarked on a brief sortie aboard the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, on Saturday November 25, underscoring India's steadfast commitment to bolstering defence capabilities through indigenous manufacturing. The event holds significant importance as Prime Minister Modi is now the first and only Indian Prime Minister to have flown in an indigenous combat fighter jet that has been designed and developed in India. According to defense officials, the sortie lasted 30 minutes, with Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari also present on the ground to oversee the arrangements ahead of the Prime Minister's flight. The aircraft itself was flown by Group Captain Debanjan Mandal.

The PM stated on X, "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."

During his visit to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), an Indian Defence Publicsector Undertaking (DPSU), the Prime Minister conducted a comprehensive review of the manufacturing units, with a particular focus on the facility dedicated to producing the indigenous Tejas jets. This visit was important to illustrate India's augment capabilities in defence manufacturing, highlighting the nation's journey towards self-sufficiency in defence aerospace technology.

Strategic alignment of Tejas aircraft, upcoming relocation plans 

Plans are underway to relocate a squadron of LCA-Mk 1 stationed at Tamil Nadu's Sulur air base to a frontline fighter base in Gujarat. Simultaneously, initiatives are in place to raise the first squadron of the more advanced LCA Mk-1A at an air base in Rajasthan. This strategic step aligns with the IAF's vision to adapt to evolving security challenges and reinforce operational readiness.

However, the realization of these plans significantly relies on the timely delivery of aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The scheduled handover of the initial batch of the 83 LCA Mk-1A in February 2024, which the Defence Ministry and IAF had placed the order for worth Rs 48,000 crore. As of now, two squadrons of the IAF, 45 Squadron, and 18 Squadron, are fully operational with LCA Tejas.

Importance and recognition

Heralded by HAL and defence officials, the LCA Tejas symbolises India's technological ingenuity and commitment to indigenous innovation. Its inception reflects the nation's ambition to create a multi-role fighter aircraft, addressing the urgent need to replace ageing fleets and fortify India's defence architecture.

The journey of this aircraft embodies the initial struggles of the Indian aerospace industry. Tejas first took flight on January 4, 2021, but it wasn't until 2016 when it was first commissioned by the IAF. As deemed by HAL, its compact yet robust structure, extensive use of composite materials, and tailless delta design enable diverse weaponry deployment while ensuring operational versatility. Notably, the Tejas boasts an unprecedented zero crash record, substantiating its reliability and engineering prowess.

Equipped with features like AESA RADAR, an open architecture-based mission computer, and quadruplex-redundant fly-by-wire systems, the Tejas stands as a force multiplier. Its capabilities to deploy various weapons with precision, including long-range missiles and precision-guided bombs, underscore its combat efficacy across diverse scenarios.

Upgrades aboard Tejas MK1A

The forthcoming LCA Tejas Mk1A variant will further augment the platform’s technological capabilities with upgrades such as an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an Electronic Warfare ( EW) suite, and a smart display. As we delved more into the program, the IAF also plans for an MK2 variant. For the development of this variant, the MoD had already sanctioned Rs 9000 crores. A cornerstone of the Mk2 would be the integration of General Electric's GE F414 engine, about which India and the US are in an advanced negotiation stage. The deal was initiated after Modi's June US meeting that followed during the G20, and it continued during the India-US 2+2 dialogue joint meetings. Upon approval of the deal, India, with the assurance of 80 percent transfer of technology, will not only power the Tejas but also the initial variant of India’s future fifth-generation aircraft Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft or AMCA
 

In a previous review of the LCA Tejas program in August, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) VR Chaudhari emphasised collaboration for success, deeming it a project of national importance. All contracted LCA Mk 1 fighters were delivered, and during CAS’s visit, HAL pledged timely delivery of the twin-seater Mk 1s.

The assurance of delivering 83 LCA Mk 1A aircraft by February aligns with plans for their induction into a new squadron at an operational IAF base. Despite discussed delays, stakeholders' efforts were commended, with a focus on integrating lessons for future projects.

The Ministry envisions increased LCA Mk 1A deployments at forward bases and participation in international exercises, solidifying the program's future role. As highlighted by the CAS, "the program has been the harbinger of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives of the nation."