On March 17, 2020, the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) that has been awarded final operational clearance and designated as Series Production (SP) 21, flew a sortie of 40 minutes. Coming five years after induction of the first Tejas LCA Mk I into the Indian Air Force (IAF) without initial operational clearance, this latest mission has paved the way for the raising of the second squadron equipped with the Tejas LCA Mk I. The first squadron called the Flying Daggers equipped with LCA Tejas Mk I, is already operational at IAF Station Sulur. The successful flight by SP 21 is a landmark event that certainly has reignited hopes for the combat fleet of the IAF that has dwindled to the lowest ever strength of 29 squadrons as against 42 as authorised by the Government. The second squadron, numbered as 18, was operationalised by the Chief of the Air Staff on May 27, 2020.
Denne historien er fra May - June 2020-utgaven av SP’s Aviation.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May - June 2020-utgaven av SP’s Aviation.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CZECH REPUBLIC ORDERS TWO EMBRAER C-390 MILLENNIUM MULTI-MISSION AIRCRAFT
The Czech Republic becomes the fourth NATO member to acquire the C-390 Millennium
LOCKHEED CONSTELLATION: "CALL ME CONNIE!"
In October 1961 the IAF's No. 6 Squadron \"Dragons\" added nine retired Air-India International Super Constellations to its fleet. Seven of these were modified for Maritime Reconnaissance. Two Super Connies served as freighters or troop carriers.
INDIA AND US SIGN GA'S MQ-9B PREDATOR DRONES; AGREEMENT ON ESTABLISHING MRO FACILITY IN INDIA
General Atomics Predator Drones represents a pivotal asset for India's defence capabilities, particularly in enhancing ISR and strike capabilities
"WE FORESEE POTENTIAL SUPPLIERS ACROSS DEFENCE, COMMERCIAL AVIATION AND EXECUTIVE JETS BUSINESSES GIVEN THE ADVANCE AEROSPACE ENGINEERING CAPABILITIES IN INDIA."
In an exclusive interaction, Frederico Lemos, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Defense & Security speaks with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, on a range of subjects concerning their increased global footprint, especially on expanding their partnership with India
SHOWCASING POWER OF COLLABORATION
Exercise Tarang Shakti, India's largest multinational air exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening operational capabilities, also demonstrated India's growing stature in global military and defence production
INDIA'S QUEST FOR INDIGENOUS JET ENGINE REMAINS AT THE THRESHOLD
While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has denied the reports to impose penalties on GE over the delays of the F404 jet engine, India's quest for the indigenous jet engine remains at the threshold in search of its IPs and tech
LCA MKIA DELAYED, MRFA ON SLOW MODE - IMPLICATIONS FOR IAF
The IAF is currently operating at around 30 squadrons, well below the authorised strength of 42 squadrons, and defence analysts recommend 50 squadrons to handle a two-front conflict
A BOLDER APPROACH TOWARDS BUILDING CAPABILITY INDIGENOUSLY - AIR CHIEF MARSHAL A.P. SINGH
The annual press day by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh was a testament to the Indian Air Force's strategic vision for modernisation and self-reliance
'IAF AIMS TO BE AN AGILE AND ADAPTABLE AIR FORCE'
On the occasion of the 92nd IAF Day, Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP's Aviation spoke extensively to Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, on a range of subjects concerning the Indian Air Force
KEY ELEMENTS OF SAF (SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL)
With SAF being constantly pushed as a panacea, a reality check is essential. The journey to achieve net zero by 2050 will in truth be long, arduous and terribly expensive. Success is by no means assured without urgent measures.
