PM Narendra Modi takes sortie on Tejas aircraft in Bengaluru
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a flight on a Tejas aircraft during a sortie in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on Saturday, showcasing the country’s indigenous fighter jet capability. The Tejas, developed by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a single-seat, single-engine, multirole light fighter aircraft designed for the Indian Air Force.
The sortie, part of the Aero India air show, was a significant moment highlighting India’s progress in the field of indigenous defense manufacturing. PM Modi’s ride on the Tejas aimed to underscore the government’s commitment to bolstering the country’s defense capabilities through advancements in technology and innovation.
The Tejas, often dubbed the “Made in India” fighter jet, represents a milestone in the country’s quest for self-reliance in defense production. It is a testament to India’s capability to design, develop, and manufacture advanced aircraft within its borders. The aircraft is equipped with modern avionics and weaponry, making it a crucial asset for the Indian Air Force.
PM Modi’s participation in the Tejas sortie also serves as a symbolic gesture of confidence in India’s defense prowess. It aligns with the broader narrative of reducing dependence on foreign-made defense equipment and fostering indigenous capabilities. The government has consistently emphasized the need for self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing to enhance national security and reduce reliance on imports.
The Aero India air show, a premier aerospace exhibition, provided a platform for showcasing not only the Tejas but also various other indigenous and international aerospace technologies. The event drew attention to India’s strides in the defense and aviation sectors, fostering collaboration and partnerships with global players.
In summary, PM Narendra Modi’s Tejas aircraft sortie in Bengaluru during the Aero India air show exemplifies India’s commitment to advancing indigenous defense capabilities. It underscores the significance of self-reliance in defense manufacturing and showcases the prowess of the Tejas, a symbol of India’s achievements in the aerospace domain.
In a social media post on a platform marked as “X,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound pride and satisfaction after experiencing a flight in the Tejas aircraft during an event in Bengaluru. Modi’s post encapsulated a sense of national achievement, highlighting India’s remarkable strides in self-reliance, particularly in the aerospace sector.
“Flying in Tejas today, I can say with immense 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,” wrote Modi, reflecting on the collaborative efforts that led to the development and success of the Tejas fighter jet.
The Prime Minister’s words echoed the sentiment of a nation that has worked tirelessly to establish itself as a formidable force in defense manufacturing. The Tejas, often hailed as the epitome of “Make in India” in the aerospace sector, stands as a testament to India’s capability to design and produce advanced fighter aircraft independently. Modi’s acknowledgment of the collective efforts by the Indian Air Force, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), and the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) reinforced the collaborative spirit and dedication that fueled the project.
The phrase “no less than anyone in the world in the field of self-reliance” underscored India’s ambition to compete globally and be self-sufficient in critical defense technologies. The post resonated with the broader narrative of reducing dependency on foreign defense imports and bolstering indigenous capabilities.
Modi’s congratulatory message extended beyond the institutions involved to encompass all Indians, emphasizing a collective sense of achievement. The Tejas sortie represented not just a technological feat but a source of national pride, symbolizing India’s journey towards becoming a self-reliant and technologically advanced nation.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s social media post following his Tejas aircraft experience conveyed a strong message of pride, accomplishment, and self-reliance. It celebrated India’s achievements in aerospace technology and highlighted the collaborative efforts that propelled the nation onto the global stage in defense manufacturing. The post resonated with the spirit of a nation striving for excellence and self-sufficiency in critical domains.
In a comprehensive visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to review various aspects of India’s defense capabilities, including a visit to the manufacturing facilities, which notably includes the production site for Tejas jets, as reported by ANI.
Part of the agenda is Modi’s visit to the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufacturing facility, where he will delve into the intricacies of the production process, especially focusing on the manufacturing of Tejas jets. This visit underscores the government’s commitment to advancing indigenous defense manufacturing and bolstering capabilities in the aerospace sector.
Notably, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has recently issued a tender to HAL for the procurement of 12 advanced Su-30MKI fighter jets. The Su-30MKI, a variant of the Sukhoi Su-30, has been a cornerstone of the IAF’s fleet and is known for its versatility and advanced capabilities. This procurement is part of India’s ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance its air force capabilities.
Defence sources have indicated that the tender involves the manufacturing of these 12 Su-30MKI fighters in India, with HAL collaborating with Russian original equipment manufacturers. This collaboration signifies a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging both Indian and Russian expertise in aerospace technology.
The move to procure advanced fighter jets aligns with India’s overarching goal of bolstering its defense capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign imports. By manufacturing these fighters domestically, India not only strengthens its self-reliance but also stimulates the growth of the indigenous defense industry.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the HAL manufacturing facility and the focus on Tejas jet production symbolize a hands-on approach to nurturing and advancing India’s aerospace capabilities. This aligns with the broader narrative of fostering self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing and modernizing the armed forces with cutting-edge technology. As India continues to make strides in its defense capabilities, such visits and collaborations underscore the nation’s commitment to securing its borders and asserting itself on the global stage as a credible force in defense innovation.
In a pivotal development for India’s defense sector, Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chief of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), announced on Saturday that the engines for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 2 and the initial two squadrons of the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will be manufactured domestically.
Providing a significant boost to India’s defense capabilities, the collaborative effort to produce these engines will involve American multinational General Electric (GE) and the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Dr. Kamat conveyed that all necessary clearances have been obtained from the United States, paving the way for the domestic production of these advanced engines.
The LCA Mark 2, an upgraded version of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, represents a crucial component of India’s air defense strategy. The decision to produce its engines domestically aligns with the government’s emphasis on achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The collaborative venture with GE, a global leader in aviation technology, signifies a strategic partnership to leverage advanced capabilities in engine technology.
Furthermore, the announcement extends to the engines for the first two squadrons of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), an ambitious indigenous project aimed at developing a state-of-the-art multirole fighter aircraft. The collaboration between GE and HAL for the production of these engines highlights the synergies in leveraging both international expertise and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The clearance from the United States is a pivotal step, underscoring the international collaboration’s adherence to regulatory standards. This development not only marks a technological milestone for India’s defense sector but also reinforces the commitment to reducing dependence on foreign imports in critical defense technologies.
Dr. Kamat’s statement reflects a tangible stride toward achieving self-sufficiency in the production of advanced aero engines, a crucial component in enhancing the operational capabilities of India’s air force. As the country advances in its pursuit of indigenous defense manufacturing, collaborations with global leaders like GE play a pivotal role in realizing these aspirations, positioning India as a key player in the aerospace sector.
