LCA Tejas MK-1A successfully conducts first flight in Bengaluru
- In Reports
- 06:29 PM, Mar 28, 2024
- Myind Staff
State-run plane-maker HAL announced that the first Tejas Mk-1A aircraft successfully conducted its inaugural flight from a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited facility in Bengaluru. HAL further stated that the Indian Air Force can anticipate its prompt induction into service.
HAL chief CB Ananthakrishnan stated that HAL accomplished this noteworthy production milestone through simultaneous design and development, despite facing significant supply chain challenges in the global geopolitical landscape following the contract in February 2021.
Group Captain KK Venugopal (retd), HAL's chief test pilot, piloted the light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A for a duration of 18 minutes.
In February 2021, the Indian Air Force (IAF) placed an order for 83 Mk-1A fighters, valued at Rs. 48,000 crore, with plans to acquire an additional 97 Mk-1As at an estimated cost of around Rs. 67,000 crore. Although the first aircraft was scheduled for delivery to the IAF by March 31, there has been a delay due to pending key certifications, as initially reported by HT on March 25.
HAL expressed gratitude towards the Defence Ministry, the IAF, the Aeronautical Development Agency, the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, and other contributing agencies for their role in the programme's success.
In a statement, the company expressed confidence that with the ongoing support of these stakeholders, the Indian Air Force (IAF) can anticipate the prompt induction of the Tejas Mk-1A, along with increased numbers from the three production lines established at HAL.
It added that the Tejas Mk-1A will feature an advanced electronic radar, superior warfare capabilities, and improved maintenance features.
The LCA Mk-1A represents an advanced variant of the LCA Mk-1, which has already been incorporated into the IAF. The LCA is poised to become a cornerstone of the IAF's combat strength in the forthcoming decade and beyond.
The IAF ranked as the world's fourth largest air force, is anticipated to operate approximately 350 LCAs across Mk-1, Mk-1A, and Mk-2 versions. A third of these have already been ordered, with some already inducted, while the remainder prominently feature in the air force's modernisation plan, expected to be procured in the forthcoming years.
Image source: Times of India
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