BENGALURU: The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas twin-seater trainer aircraft was presented to Indian Air Force (IAF) commander Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chief Managing Director CB Ananthakrishnan on Wednesday in Bengaluru. “It gives me great satisfaction to accept the first two-seater LCA aircraft on this historic day. Speaking at the ceremony in Bengaluru, Chaudhari remarked, “This day will go down in history as a really remarkable one that exemplifies the prowess of the Indian domestic aviation industry.” According to the head of the Air Force, a deal for 83 more LCAs has been signed, and two LCA squadrons have already been established.“The fact that the Indian Air Force has already established two LCA squadrons is a source of pride for us. We have now finalized a contract for 83 more LCAs, and we are moving on with the purchase of 97 more LCAs. The Indian Air Force will have a fleet of 220 LCAs in its inventory in the upcoming years, according to the commander of the Indian Air Force. “Once more, I send my best wishes to each and every one of you in order to make sure that the Indian Air Force receives its orders promptly and may begin flying them soon. He continued, “My congratulations to all the stakeholders and best wishes to all of you for a bright and successful future. Ajay Bhatt, the state minister of defense, said, “Today is a historic day,” while speaking at the occasion. Being a part of HAL and seeing all the agreements made here makes me incredibly proud. The first LCA twin-seater has been delivered to the IAF. In reference to the Atmanirbhar initiative for improving Indian aviation, Bhatt stated, “A few years ago, we were reliant on fighter jets from other nations. Prime Minister Modi wants India to excel in all areas. We have Atmanirbhar now.On Wednesday in Bengaluru, the HAL presented the Indian Air Force (IAF) with the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) twin-seater trainer variant aircraft. Eight twin seaters will be delivered by HAL in FY 2023–2024 out of a total order for 18 twin seaters from the IAF. Additionally, 10 twin seaters will gradually be delivered by 2026–2027. IAF is also anticipated to issue other orders. The LCA-Tejas, India’s largest research and development program, flew for the first time in 2001 and has subsequently reached a number of milestones. It is expected to be manufactured in large quantities by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bengaluru, as HAL has already received an order for 123 aircraft, of which 32 fighters have already been delivered to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and two squadrons are already operational at the Sulur, AF base. The 4.5 generation LCA Tejas is a multi-role, all-weather fighter aircraft. The plane is made to be a multi-role weapon that can easily perform ground assault, close combat, and offensive air support missions. Additionally, it is made to do ground maritime operations. The LCA Tejas’ most advanced model is the LCA Mk1A. It has an AESA Radar, an EW suite that includes self-protection and radar warning jamming, a Digital Map Generator (DMG), smart multi-function displays (SMFD), a Combined Interrogator and Transponder (CIT), an Advanced Radio Altimeter, and other features.
