LCA Tejas set to debut outside Indian airspace

The locally-produced light combat aircraft (LCA) is set to make its international debut

The locally-produced light combat aircraft (LCA) is set to make its international debut. The LCA Tejas will fly outside Indian airspace for the first time at the Bahrain International airshow being held at the Sakhir airbase from January 21-23, a defence ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

LCA-Mark1(‘Indian Defence Forum)

The fighter is among the 15 weapon systems identified for export by the Defence Research and Development Organisation to help the country get into the international arms bazaar. The Indian Air Force plans to induct six squadrons (120 planes) of the LCA with upgrades, including a new electronic warfare suite, refuelling capacity, better missiles and improved radar.

A report released by the comptroller and auditor general in May 2015 had revealed that the LCA-Mark1 was riddled with 53 “significant shortfalls” that could compromise its survivability in combat. Shortfalls enumerated in the report included increased weight, underpowered engine, reduced speed and lesser internal fuel capacity.