HAL’s LCA Tejas Joins The Indian Air Force’s Fleet, Boosts India’s Defense

The Indian Air Force has added the LCA Tejas Trainer Aircraft to its fleet, developed by HAL. This is set to boost the self-reliance of India’s defense industry.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) CEO C.B. Ananthakrishnan has handed over the LCA Tejas twin-seat trainer aircraft to Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari in Bengaluru. Let’s find out what makes this aircraft special.

The Indian Air Force is continuously focusing on “Made in India.” Instead of relying on aircraft made in other countries, India is now incorporating its domestically manufactured aircraft. 

In this context, today is a very important and historic day for the Indian Air Force. The first LCA Tejas aircraft has been inducted into its fleet.

The Bengaluru-based company stated that the twin-seater LCA Tejas aircraft fulfills all the training requirements of the Indian Air Force. If needed, the aircraft can even be utilized in combat roles.

LCA Tejas is a lightweight twin-seater aircraft with the capability to operate in all weather conditions. It is a 4.5 generation aircraft capable of functioning in various weather conditions.

This Tejas, designated as Mark 1, is one of the three product models of HAL Tejas, alongside the Tejas Mark 1A and Tejas Mark 1E. 

The aircraft has a length of 13.2 meters, a wingspan of 8.2 meters, and a height of 4.4 meters. 

The aircraft’s maximum speed is Mach 1.6, and it can reach altitudes of up to 50,000 feet. It features nine hardpoints for weapons.

The inclusion of Tejas trainer versions in the Indian Air Force is a significant achievement. India has been working on enhancing this variant for several years. 

The Tejas trainer will be used to train Indian Air Force pilots. This will help in developing indigenous capabilities in the aviation industry. 

The aircraft will provide Indian pilots with the necessary experience to operate modern combat aircraft and will also be used to train future pilots for other Indian combat aircraft.

HAL has designated this LCA Tejas trainer as LT-5201, also known as Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LiFT).

HAL has already received 18 orders for the LCA Tejas trainer, eight of which are to be delivered to the Indian Air Force between 2023 and 2024. 

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The remaining ten aircraft will be supplied between 2026 and 2027. The company expects more orders from the Indian Air Force in addition to these.

HAL’s Tejas marks a significant step towards self-reliant India, and the LCA Tejas trainer is a milestone in this direction. It will definitely strengthen India’s defense capabilities with indigenous aircraft.