New Delhi: In a significant display of national pride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently took to the skies in the indigenously manufactured Tejas fighter plane, a testament to India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology. Produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the country’s oldest and esteemed aerospace enterprise, Tejas stands out for its cutting-edge features and capabilities.
Sharing his experience on social media, PM Modi expressed, “Today, flying in Tejas, I can say with great pride that due to our hard work and dedication, we are no less than anyone in the world in the field of self-reliance. Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Air Force, DRDO, and HAL as well as all Indians.”
मैं आज तेजस में उड़ान भरते हुए अत्यंत गर्व के साथ कह सकता हूं कि हमारी मेहनत और लगन के कारण हम आत्मनिर्भरता के क्षेत्र में विश्व में किसी से कम नहीं हैं। भारतीय वायुसेना, DRDO और HAL के साथ ही समस्त भारतवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। pic.twitter.com/xWJc2QVlWV
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 25, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/4aO6Wf9XYO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 25, 2023
Key Features of Tejas:
- Long-Range Missiles: Tejas is equipped with long-range missiles, enhancing its combat capabilities.
- Target Lock and Fire: The fighter plane has the ability to lock on to its target and engage with precision firepower.
- Advanced Technology Equipment: Tejas incorporates state-of-the-art technology, including radar developed both in Israel and indigenously.
- Supersonic Speed: Capable of flying at speeds ranging from Mach 1.6 to Mach 1.8, Tejas can soar at altitudes of up to 52,000 feet.
- Payload Capacity: Tejas can lift an impressive eight to nine tonnes of load, showcasing its versatility.
- Electronic Warfare Suite: The aircraft is equipped with an electronic warfare suite for enhanced defense capabilities.
- Air-to-Air Refueling: Tejas features provisions for air-to-air refueling, further extending its operational range.
Former Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria emphasized the significance of Tejas, stating that this indigenous fighter aircraft is well-suited for precision strikes, akin to the successful Balakot operation. He highlighted that Tejas surpasses the quality, capability, and precision of the JF-17 fighter aircraft produced in Pakistan with Chinese assistance.
Describing Tejas as a ‘Four and Half Generation’ light combat aircraft, Bhadauria underscored its modern technology and the indigenous development of its weaponry. The flight of PM Modi in Tejas symbolizes a remarkable stride in India’s journey towards self-sufficiency in defense and aerospace technology.