Vice Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force Make History with Joint Flight in Indigenous LCA Tejas

Rajasthan , India: In a historic event for India's defence forces, Vice Chiefs of Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force me history today by flying in indigenously manufactured Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) Air Marshal AP Singh led flight, with Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, and Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice miral Krishna Swaminathan, accompanying in Tejas twin-seater. This unprecedented joint flight showcases growing emphasis on cross-domain cooperation, highlighting how India's armed forces are working in unison to dress modern security challenges. 

ir participation underscores India's commitment to vancing integrated defence capabilities and self-reliance, demonstrating seamless integration of country's land, sea, and air forces. This event is not only a testament to ir leership but also to India's indigenous defence manufacturing prowess. 

Tejas Takes Center Stage at Tarang Shakti 2024 

flight took place over Jodhpur, coinciding with Indian Air Force's exercise Tarang Shakti 2024. This exercise, India's first multinational event of its kind, aims to enhance interoperability and operational coordination among participating Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs). inclusion of Tejas in this exercise underscores critical role indigenous platforms play in modernizing India's defence infrastructure.

Tejas, a symbol of 'Make in India' initiative, is a state-of--art, multi-role fighter designed to meet needs of India's armed forces while reducing reliance on foreign imports. Developed by Aeronautical Development Agency (A) and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Tejas reflects India's strides in self-sufficiency in defence technology. 

Vice Chiefs' Flight Demonstrates Cross-Domain Cooperation 

This flight marks first time that Vice Chiefs from all three services have flown toger, signifying a new era of integrated operations within India's defence framework. ir joint flight also served as an opportunity to interact with forces participating in exercise, both from India and FFCs. This interaction furr strengns ties between services and promotes a unified approach to national security.

Tejas, officially named in 2003, me its first flight in 2001 and entered service with Indian Air Force in 2015. Currently, it is smallest and lightest in its class of supersonic combat aircraft. first Tejas squron became operational in 2016, with No. 45 Squron IAF – Flying Daggers being first to replace ir MiG-21 Bisons with Tejas. 

Tejas: A Key Player in India's Defence Modernization 

Tejas has three production variants: Tejas Mark 1, Mark 1A, and Tejas Trainer/Light Attack Aircraft. Indian Air Force has placed an order for 123 Tejas aircraft and plans to procure 97 more, with goal of ultimately having 324 aircraft across 18 squrons. This includes heavier Tejas Mark 2, currently under development, which will furr enhance India's air combat capabilities.

Vice Chiefs' flight in Tejas during Tarang Shakti 2024 exercise not only highlights India's vancements in defence technology but also serves as a powerful statement of country's strategic vision for a self-reliant and integrated military. This historic event sets stage for future collaborations and underscores importance of indigenous platforms in safeguarding India's national security.