Tejas can take off carrying 6,500 kilograms of various weapons, including rockets, air-to-air missiles, Astra Mark-1, and several other missiles.
New Delhi: In a major development, the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a deal worth Rs 62,000 crore to purchase 97 more Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Once inducted, these fighter jets will play a pivotal role in boosting the strength of the Indian Air Force.
It is important to note that the single-engine Tejas is a 4.5-generation delta-wing multi-role combat aircraft. It has been designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), while HAL is responsible for its production. The Tejas Mk-1A is an advanced version of the Tejas Mk-1.
Here are some of the key details:
- Tejas, the supersonic combat aircraft, is the smallest and lightest fighter jet in its segment worldwide.
- It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and a combat range of 1,200 kilometers.
- With the capability of mid-air refueling, its range can extend up to nearly 3,000 kilometers.
- This aircraft can fly at an altitude of up to 50,000 feet.
Tejas can take off carrying 6,500 kilograms of various weapons, including rockets, air-to-air missiles, Astra Mark-1, and several other missiles.
Story Highlights
- The first LCA Mk-1A is built at HAL’s new production line in Nashik
- LCA Mk-1A is soon ready for its maiden flight.
- The state-owned aircraft manufacturer aims to deliver the first LCA Mk-1A, produced in Bengaluru, to the Indian Air Force in September—about 18 months behind schedule.
- For air-to-ground operations, integration of the BrahMos NG is in progress, along with anti-radiation missiles, anti-ship missiles, precision-guided bombs, laser-guided bombs, and unguided bombs.
The LCA Mk-1A will replace the Indian Air Force’s MiG-21 fighter jets. The world’s fourth-largest air force is set to retire its last iconic MiG-21 fighters in September, marking the end of their 62-year service. A decommissioning ceremony will be held in Chandigarh.
