Singapore Defence Minister Praised Flight in Indian Light Combat Aircraft Tejas

Singapore's Defense Minister became the first civil foreigner to fly in IAF's Tejas fighter aircraft when he visited Kalaikunda where the Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16 detachment is training with the Indian Air Force.

On his Facebook, the minister commented, "For 45 minutes, I placed my life in the hands of Air Vice Marshal AP Singh as we flew 20,000ft above the Kalaikunda skies in the IAF’s new fighter plane – Tejas. I have never met him before but my RSAF pilots who have trained regularly with IAF pilots say he is among the best, so it was an easy decision. In fact, the plane ride was so smooth despite the G-turns and manoeuvres that I managed to even take some selfies!"

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India Prepares to Induct Tejas

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to accept 120 indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. According to Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, the Tejas fighters be inducted as it is and be upgraded later.

This meant that the IAF has scrapped a plan to develop an upgraded version of the Tejas, the Mk II.  It was reported that the current version of the Tejas has 12 deficiencies with another 45 that were resolved. However, IAF which  urgently needs replacement fighters, will accept the Tejas if they are fitted with an AESA radar, new electronic warfare suit, refueling capability and improved missiles.

The IAF currently has 33 combat squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 39.5, which is sought to be raised to 42. The gap will widen further with three squadrons being phased out this year. The Tejas will eventually equip six fighter squadrons.

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