Tejas Mark-1A, the indigenously developed fighter jet manufactured by state-owned aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), successfully completed its first flight from the HAL plant in Nashik on Friday. This flight is seen as another major step towards India’s self-reliance in the defense sector. HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil said that Tejas Mark-1A is a modern fighter aircraft which is completely based on indigenous technology. He said that considering the technical capabilities and performance of the aircraft, many foreign countries have shown great interest in purchasing it. What did HAL Chairman say? DK According to Sunil, “Today we have an aircraft that is capable in every aspect. It is equipped with a modern radar system, strong weapon capabilities and modern avionics. It is not only a modern fighter but it can also be maintained and upgraded in India as HAL has complete control over both its software and hardware.” Comparing the Tejas Mark-1A to the older MiG-21 Bison, the HAL chief said the aircraft represented a generational leap in India’s defense technology. “The Tejas Mark-1A is approximately a 4.5 generation aircraft. It includes the latest AESA radar, electronic warfare (EW) suite and advanced missile systems. The MiG-21 was extremely capable in its time, but the Tejas is much more advanced and versatile and meets the needs of modern times,” he said. Many countries have interest in Tejas DK Sunil further said that many countries have shown initial interest in Tejas. “We are currently in talks with various countries. The response we have received in the initial stages is very encouraging. Foreign buyers see it as a highly capable and reliable aircraft. We are also making them aware of the new capabilities that India can add to this aircraft,” he said. According to the HAL chief, the company has been entrusted with the task of manufacturing a total of 180 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft. This production is targeted to be completed by 2032-33. After that, HAL plans to start production of LCA Mark-2 (Tejas Mk-2). “We hope to complete production of Tejas Mark-1A by 2032-33 and will also start production of LCA Mark-2, which will be an even more advanced and powerful version,” he said. Features of Tejas Mark-1A Tejas Mark-1A is an indigenously designed and advanced light combat aircraft. It is an advanced version of the LCA developed in India and is considered a fourth generation multi-role combat aircraft. Fast, maneuverable and highly accurate, the aircraft is capable of day and night operations in all weather conditions. It can carry a weapon load of more than 5.5 tons and can accurately hit multiple targets simultaneously. Tejas Mark-1A includes modern capabilities such as new AESA radar, beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, advanced electronic warfare (EW) suite and air-to-air refueling capability. It is manufactured indigenously so that necessary modifications can be made in the country itself.
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