PM Modi Makes History as First Prime Minister to Co-Pilot LCA Tejas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi created history as he took to the skies as a co-pilot in the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Attired in a G-suit, he soared through the skies accompanied by an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot, marking a significant milestone in India's aviation journey.

In a short but symbolic sortie, PM Modi experienced firsthand the capabilities of the Tejas, becoming the first Prime Minister to achieve this feat. The aircraft, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), has been a key player in the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet for over seven years.

In a tweet, PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Successfully completed a sortie on the Tejas. The experience was incredibly enriching, significantly bolstering my confidence in our country’s indigenous capabilities, and leaving me with a renewed sense of pride and optimism about our national potential."

The Tejas, christened in 2003, is a versatile multi-role platform designed for Air Defence, Maritime Reconnaissance, and Strike roles. Currently, the IAF operates two squadrons of Tejas: No 45 Squadron, the ‘Flying Daggers,’ and No 18 Squadron, the ‘Flying Bullets.’

The IAF has further strengthened its commitment to indigenous aerospace capabilities by placing an order for 83 LCA Mk-1A. This variant boasts updated avionics, an Active Electronically Steered Radar, an updated Electronic Warfare suite, and Beyond Visual Range missile capability. The deliveries are expected to commence in February 2024, marking a significant leap in India's self-reliance in defense technology.

PM Modi's sortie is poised to amplify the Tejas procurement, with the Defense Acquisition Council anticipated to green-light the acquisition of an additional 97 aircraft. This move aligns with the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari's recent statement that the IAF plans to acquire a total of 220 LCAs.

Notably, PM Modi joins a select group of civilians, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and badminton player PV Sindu, who have co-piloted the Tejas. Additionally, foreign dignitaries such as General David L Goldfein and Chief of Staff of the French Air Force, General André Lanata, have flown the Tejas, highlighting India's growing presence in the global aerospace arena.

The Tejas has not only demonstrated its capabilities in international events but also participated in exercises with foreign air forces, marking its maiden foreign exercise in the United Arab Emirates during Ex-Desert Flag in March 2023.

PM Modi's historic flight not only showcases the prowess of India's indigenous aerospace technology but also underscores the nation's commitment to self-reliance and technological advancement in defense.