Tejas LCA superior to China-Pakistan's JF-17; equipped for Balakot-type strike: IAF Chief

In a major decision aimed at boosting domestic aero industry, India on Wednesday approved a much-awaited deal worth Rs 48,000 crore to procure 83 indigeusly-developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas for Indian Air Force. Reacting on decision, IAF chief Air Marshal RKS Bhauria has asserted that me in India aircraft is far better and vanced than Chinese-Pakistani JF-17 fighter jets, ding that latest Indian jet would be better equipped to carry out Balakot- airstrikes.

'Far better and vanced than JF-17': IAF Chief

Speaking to news ncy ANI, Air Force chief said that 83 indigeus fighter jets to be inducted into force would also be equipped with homegrown weapons such as Astra beyond visual range air to air missiles and or standoff weapons. "Indian aircraft Tejas is far better and vanced than Chinese and Pakistan joint venture JF-17 fighter," Bhauria said when asked to compare Indian fighter with JF-17. 

To a query on wher Tejas would be able to carry out Balakot- airstrikes, Air Chief said: "In terms of strike capability, it will have capability of a standoff weapon which will be even beyond capability we used that time."

ting approval of largest indigeus defence procurement deal to buy 83 LCA Tejas, Air Chief Bhauria said that deal is a huge step for IAF capability building, ding that current strength of two squron plan of LCA will w increase to six.

"Order of 83 aircraft is huge. When this kind of order takes shape in next 8-9 years, entire ecosystem will get set up. For military aviation, it will be a big step. It will make a big base for fighter aircraft production, maintenance and support," IAF Chief told ANI. "It is a huge step for IAF capability building. It is also a big boost to our indigeus industry. It is also a big recognition of our designers. It is a huge step for Indian Air Force and for country," he ded.

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Javekar hits out at Rahul Gandhi

Meanwhile, Union Minister Prakash Javekar in a tweet praised historic decision of Modi government and hit out at former Congress president Rahul Gandhi. "A momentous push to #AatmaNirbharBharat in Defence sector. Where is Rahul Gandhi who said government is destroying HAL?" Javekar wrote, referring to politics around 'Rafale scam' Rahul Gandhi h alleged in le-up to 2019 elections. 

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