Indigenous Tejas LCA better than its foreign equivalents: Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh

Stressing that India cannot remain dependent on other countries for its defence, Union minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was better than its foreign equivalents on several parameters. Inaugurating Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s second LCA production line in Bengaluru, Singh said, “Tejas is not only indigenous, but it is also better than its foreign equivalents on several parameters, including engine capacity, radar system, beyond visual range (missile), air-to-air refueling & maintenance, and is comparatively cheaper.” Leaving New Delhi for Bengaluru to inaugurate HAL’s second LCA production line today and attend the @AeroIndiashow to be held from Feb 03 to Feb 05. Despite the challenges posed by the Pandemic, the participation in the show is extremely encouraging. Looking forward to it. Singh also informed that several counties had expressed interest in procuring Tejas M1A while expressing confidence in achieving the target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore in the field of defence manufacturing in the next 3-4 years. “Our effort will be that HAL gets new orders. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, you’ve received Rs 48,000 crore order from armed forces. This is biggest procurement in terms of indigenous defence procurement, which will give new heights to Indian aerospace sector,” the Defence Minister said. The event comes a day before the opening of the Aero India 2021, the country’s premier aerospace and Defence exhibition. The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, indigenously designed by Aircraft Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is expected to be the backbone of the Indian Air Force in future and in tune with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mantra. Last month, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Rs 48,000 crore deal to procure 73 Tejas MK-1A variants and 10 LCA Tejas MK-1 trainer aircraft from HAL to boost the Indian Air Force’s combat prowess. The delivery of the jets will begin from March 2024 and around 16 aircraft will be rolled out annually till the completion of the total supply of 83 jets. The first squadron of Tejas LCA was raised in 2016. Currently, the IAF’s fleet is down to 30 squadrons, way below the sanctioned strength of 42. Each squadron comprises 18 fighter jets.