Tarang Shakti: Tejas LCA MK-1 shines in multinational air drill

The Indian Air Force (IAF) marked a significant milestone with the successful conclusion of the first phase of "Tarang Shakti, India's first multinational air exercise in the past six decades on Tuesday in Tamil Nadu's Sulur.

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

This exercise, which began on August 6, 2024, brought together the air forces of India, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain, and showcased the capabilities of various aircraft, including the Indian-made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas MK-1.

The exercise highlighted India's growing emphasis on indigenous defence production, particularly at a time when the country faces the need to modernise and replace its aging fleet of fighter jets.

In the spotlight of the exercise was the Tejas LCA MK-1, India's indigenous light combat aircraft. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, praised the tenacity and performance of the Tejas during the multinational drill. Despite being the smallest and lightest aircraft in the exercise, the Tejas proved its mettle in realistic combat scenarios, operating effectively as part of both the 'blue force' (friendly) and 'red force (hostile) teams. The air chief expressed immense pride in the aircraft, underscoring its potential as a cornerstone of India's future aerial defense strategy.

The push to integrate the Tejas LCA into the IAF's fleet comes at a time when India is grappling with the need to replace older aircraft. This need is compounded by concerns over the country's capacity to design and manufacture indig enous fighters on a large scale.