Single seater light aircraft, expert in acrobatics... Read what is the specialty of fighter jet Tejas

News Topical, Digital Desk : The Tejas aircraft crashed at the Dubai Air Show on Friday. The pilot also died in the accident. A video surfaced showing the Tejas fighter jet crashing to the ground shortly after takeoff. The Tejas fighter jet is a symbol of India's indigenous capabilities. Let's explore this aircraft's capabilities and its role in the country's security in the future.

Tejas production began in 2007

The aircraft was officially named Tejas by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on May 4, 2003. Production of the Tejas series began in 2007. The Indian Air Force commissioned the first Tejas squadron on July 1, 2016, and the second squadron was commissioned on April 1, 2020.

Single-seater light combat aircraft

Tejas is an Indian light combat aircraft. This single-seat, single-jet engine aircraft is indigenously manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet.

acrobatic

The Tejas' flight control system is adept at performing aerobatic maneuvers. The aircraft's structure is made of carbon fiber, making it much lighter and stronger than metal. It houses a radar sensor, which provides the pilot with information on enemy aircraft and surface-to-air missiles. The Tejas Mk. 1 was already in service with the Indian Air Force. The Tejas MKA is its advanced version. With state-of-the-art technology and systems, this aircraft has become even more powerful.

Tejas Mark 2 will be equipped with capabilities similar to Mirage 2000

The Tejas fighter jet is fully capable of air defense, ground attack, and maritime strike missions. The Tejas aircraft is capable of flying at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet. It is equipped with the Derby air-to-air missile for enemy engagements.

The aircraft is equipped with modern laser-guided bombs for attack purposes. The Tejas is far superior in power to the older MiGs. Comparing it to the Mirage 2000 wouldn't be inaccurate. With future upgrades, the Tejas will replace the Mirage 2000.

Tejas Mk 2 will be equipped with BrahMos NG

The Indian Air Force will soon receive an advanced version of the Tejas Mk 1. The Tejas Mk 2 will also soon be inducted into the Indian Air Force. It is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet and will be powered by General Electric's F-414 engines. It will be equipped with an indigenously developed Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. The Tejas Mk 2 will be equipped with the Astra Mk 2 air-to-air missile, the BrahMos NG air-to-surface missile, the Rudram-2 anti-radiation missile, and long-range air-to-air missiles such as the Meteor.

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