Tejas First Crash in 23 years: Six Key Facts About the Tejas Fighter jet
Defense News ,India :- In a recent incident, an Indian Air Force (IAF) LCA Tejas aircraft crashed near Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, with the pilot successfully ejecting to safety. This marks the first crash involving the jet since its inaugural flight 23 years ago.
Background of LCA Tejas
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is a domestically developed supersonic aircraft used by the Indian military. The programme was initiated by the Government of India in 1984, leading to the establishment of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas succeeded the ageing Mig 21 fighter jets.
Named 'Tejas,' which translates to 'radiance' in Sanskrit, by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003, the aircraft is the second supersonic fighter jet developed by HAL after the HAL HF-24 Marut. It is the lightest and smallest multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft in its category, designed to accommodate various types of weaponry.
The Crash
The indigenous fighter jet Tejas crashed today in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer near a hostel complex. This is the first-ever crash of the indigenous fighter in 23 years of its history which began with the first test flight in 2001.
Facts About Tejas Fighter Jet
Future Plans
The Indian Air Force plans to replace the ageing MiG-21 aircraft with the LCA Tejas Mark 1A aircraft by 2025. The LCA program was envisioned in the late 1980s to replace the MiG-21s that have been serving the Air Force since 1963. The LCA was rechristened as 'Tejas' in 2003.