SOURCE: AFI
In a resounding endorsement of India’s indigenous LCA Tejas, Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) R.K.S. Bhadauria, former Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and a former test pilot for the aircraft, praised the fighter jet’s capabilities and the program’s contributions to India’s aerospace sector. “I will vouch for LCA Tejas blindfolded,” Bhadauria said, highlighting its reliability, performance, and operational versatility.
Bhadauria emphasized that the LCA Tejas program has played a transformative role in advancing India’s defense manufacturing capabilities. Key technological developments, such as the fly-by-wire control systems, composite airframes, and advanced avionics, were crucial milestones. He credited the program for laying the groundwork for India’s ability to develop more advanced fighter jets, including the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) programs.
The IAF has operationalized Tejas in its frontline squadrons, demonstrating the jet’s ability to carry out diverse roles, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. Bhadauria, who played a pivotal role in finalizing the contract for 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, noted its cost-effectiveness and indigenous content, which align with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
Bhadauria’s endorsement underlines the LCA Tejas program’s impact not just as a fighter platform but as a catalyst for India’s burgeoning aerospace ecosystem. The program has accelerated the country’s capability to design and produce next-generation fighter jets, signaling a leap toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing.