‘Made in India’ LCA Tejas displays its prowess in Singapore Air Show 2022

New Delhi: The flag bearer of Aatmnirbhar Bharat, indigenously built, Light Combat Aircraft Tejas of Indian Air Force displayed its prowess and superior flying skills at the Singapore Air Show 2022. Designed and developed by Aircraft Development Agency (ADA) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and built by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), LCA Tejas appeared for the first time in Singapore's skies, and demonstrated its capabilities at the opening ceremony of the biennial event.
Three Tejas Mk-1 jets along with a 44-member IAF contingent are participating in Asia's largest air show.

The mesmerising performance of the 'Made in India' aircraft comes three months after it participated at the Dubai Air Show 2021. It has also participated in Malaysia and Bahrain air shows. The IAF took to share to showcase some of its charismatic display at the air show. Sharing enthralling pictures of Tejas from the Air Show, IAF said in a tweet, "Like a Diamond in the Sky'. Some highlights from the enthralling display today by #IAF LCA Tejas at the #SingaporeAirShow2022."

Powered by a single GE Aviation F404, Tejas is the world's only light combat aircraft, which had made over 6000 no-frill sorties so far in the sky. The aircraft is a result of the Light Combat Aircraft Programme that started in the 1980s. It is the second supersonic fighter developed by HAL after HF-24 Marut.

The Ministry of Defence last year awarded a ₹48,000-crore contract to HAL for 83 LCA Mk-1A jets for IAF. The first three Mk-1A aircraft will be delivered to the air force by March 2024, while the rest will be part of its combat fleet by 2029. HAL is expected to carry out the first test flight of the Tejas's latest variant in the coming months.

The Tejas' participation in Singapore is part of the Government of India's efforts to transform itself into an export powerhouse from one of the world's biggest defence importers. The Indian jet is also a strong contender for Malaysia's tender for 18 light combat aircraft.

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