Why Tejas Enjoys a Special Privilege Among All IAF Fighter Jets Taking Part in Republic Day Flypast

New Delhi: As India gears up to celebrate its 75th Republic Day, Tejas, India's indigenously built light combat aircraft, is set to take to skies in a spectacular and grand  flypast and is among over 50 aircraft slated to take part in event.

What makes this special for Tejas is its unique privilege as only single-engine fighter to be part of impressive aerial display, breaking away from trition of featuring only double-engine fighters. This distinction brings to forefront not just honour bestowed upon Tejas but also merit embedded in its powerful and reliable engine.

Why do we see only Double Engine Fighters over Kartavya Path?

reluctance to include single-engine fighters in India's Republic Day pare has historically been rooted in belief that double engines provide an extra layer of safety. rationale behind this conventional wisdom lies in redundancy offered by twin engines – if one fails, or can potentially ensure aircraft's safety, preventing a catastrophic crash.

 However, Tejas challenges this norm, showcasing that its single-engine configuration is not a limitation but a testament to its reliability, capability, and standing among or fighter aircraft.

Tejas’ Debut over Kartavya Path

Back in 2017, Tejas me its maiden appearance in Republic Day flypast, leing fleet of fighter aircraft after a hiatus of two deces since Marut's participation in 1980s and 90s. 

lightweight, supersonic, multi-role single-seat fighter, led by Group Captain Mhav Rangachari, flew in 'Vic' formation, highlighting its agility and prowess. Inducted into Indian Air Force's 45 Squron 'Flying Daggers' in July of previous year, Tejas marked a significant milestone in India's pursuit of indigenous defence capabilities.

Tejas’ American F404 Heart and Impending Upgre

Tejas' engine, a critical component of its success, has undergone a journey of development and innovation. Initially facing setbacks with Kaveri jet engine program launched in 1986, Tejas found an interim solution in General Electric F404-GE-F2J3 afterburning turbofan engine. Subsequently, upgred General Electric F404-GE-IN20 engines have been powering Tejas variants since 2004. ding to intrigue, F404 has FEC, or Full Authority Digital Electronic Control – latest aircraft ignition and engine control system that controls engine performance digitally, according to GE, making it more reliable in flight and less prone to crashing. This is probably one of main enduring reasons why, from its very first day of induction, no Tejas has crashed to date.

Looking forward, Tejas Mark 1A variant will continue to be powered by F404 IN20 engine, while heavier Tejas Mark 2 will feature General Electric F414 INS6 engine. recent agreement between General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for indigenous manufacturing of GE's F414 engine for Tejas Mk2 is also a groundbreaking development. It involves transfer of critical jet engine technologies, marking a significant stride in India's quest for self-reliance in vanced combat jet engine technology.

This agreement breaks tritional "technology denial regime," with only a few countries possessing expertise to manufacture such vanced engines. F414 engine, a stalwart in US Navy's aircraft, has been in operation for over 30 years, powering renowned aircraft like Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Saab Gripen. India's successful collaboration with GE not only represents a leap forward in technological self-reliance but also strengns defence ties between India and United States.

India's Strategem with Tejas 

Also, last year, PM Modi took a sortie in LCA, becoming first Prime Minister to do so. Tejas is India’s first completely indigenously designed and developed aircraft, and genesis of Tejas project dates back to 80s, with its first flight during PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure in 2001. However, it took anor 15 years to get its initial operational clearance.

Today, India plans to acquire 97 more Tejas Mk1a fighters for 65,000 crore, in dition to 83 previously planned in 2021 for 48,000 crore. Furrmore, re are plans for a Mk2 variant as well. MK1A will feature a quruple fly-by-wire with more multifunction displays, indigenous Uttam Rar, better avionics, and more ditions to its alrey diverse arsenal.