10 Things To Know About India’s Home-Grown Tejas Fighter

India’s home made fighter jet Tejas will make its Republic Day Parade flypast debut this year. Single engine fighters usually do not ensure safety – two engines are better than one.

But this year, a three-fighter formation will fly over Rajpath.

Indian Air Force

Here’s what the Tejas fighter is all about.

1. The fighter has been designed by the ADA (Aeronautical Development Agency) and is built by HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited).

2. The plane has made more than 3,000 flights to date, logging more than 2,000 flying hours without any incidents.

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3. A fourth generation fighter, it is equipped with a digital fly by wire system and features a full glass cockpit displays.

4. Tejas also features composite construction, which reduces weight and gives it better reliability.

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5. It can carry a variety of weapons such as air-to-air missiles, unguided and guided bombs and also packs a canon.

6. The current Mk1 fighter entered squadron service with the 45 Sqn of the Indian Air Force in July last year.

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7. An enhanced version – the Mk 1A with aerial refuelling, AESA radar and with ease of maintenance – is in the works.

8. An order for 83 of these Mk 1As has been placed for the Indian Air Force.

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9. The Tejas will replace the Mig-21 once all types retire by the end of this decade.

10. India is also looking to export the fighter to friendly nations.