HAL delivers the first LCA Tejas Twin Seater aircraft to the Indian Air Force in Bengaluru

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) twin-seater trainer version aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Bengaluru. Union Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt and Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari graced the event at the LCA Tejas division plant, marking a significant milestone in India's aviation history.

The LCA Tejas Twin Seater is a remarkable achievement, designed with the strategic intent of transitioning budding pilots from the twin-seater variants to fighter pilots. HAL has an order for 18 twin-seaters from the IAF, with plans to deliver eight by the fiscal year 2023-24 and the remaining ten by 2026-27. Additional orders from the IAF are expected. The LCA Tejas project is the largest Research and Development program ever undertaken in India, with its maiden flight dating back to 2001. It has achieved numerous milestones since then. This aircraft is slated to become the backbone of the IAF fleet in the years to come, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited having received an order for 123 aircraft, of which 32 fighters have already been supplied to the IAF. Two squadrons are operational at the Sulur Air Force base.

Series production of the LCA Tejas is in full swing at HAL, with the remaining aircraft scheduled for delivery by 2027-28. The LCA Tejas Twin Seater is a lightweight, all-weather multi-role 4.5 generation aircraft, featuring advanced technologies such as relaxed static stability, quadruplex fly-by-wire flight control, carefree maneuvering, an advanced glass cockpit, integrated digital avionics systems, advanced composite materials for airframe.

With the successful production of the first twin-seater variant, HAL has further solidified its position to meet the IAF's training requirements and serve as a fighter aircraft when necessary. India now joins the exclusive ranks of countries with such capabilities in their defense forces, aligning with the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative of self-reliance. The ceremony was graced by the presence of top officials from the Ministry of Defence, HAL, ADA, DGAQA, CEMILAC, DRDO, and production partners.

In addition to these achievements, HAL is exploring export opportunities for the LCA Tejas platform. The company has submitted customized proposals to several foreign-friendly countries, aiming to contribute to India's export targets set by the government. This momentous event symbolizes a significant step forward in India's defense capabilities, strengthening the nation's commitment to self-sufficiency and offering opportunities for international collaboration in the field of aviation technology.