SOURCE: AFI
The indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, in its LA-2018 LSP (Limited Serial Production) variant, was recently spotted taking off from INS Hansa base in Goa. The aircraft’s Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponder was active, indicating a planned calibration sortie.
This mission, most likely, was a crucial step in evaluating and testing the LA-2018’s onboard sensors. Calibration sorties are essential for ensuring the accuracy and functionality of various sensors, including radar, Electronic Warfare (EW) suite, and other mission-critical systems.
Border areas often have a complex electronic environment due to the presence of military radars and communication systems. This environment provides a valuable testing ground for the Tejas’s EW suite and its ability to function effectively in potential conflict zones.
The border region likely mirrors the operational scenarios where the LA-2018 might be deployed. Testing the sensors in such an environment helps assess their performance under real-world conditions. Evaluating its sensors near the border provides valuable data for its eventual deployment on the high seas.
Due to the absence of official statements, the specific purpose of the Tejas LA-2018’s sortie remains unclear. However, the aircraft’s flight path near the border suggests a potential focus on evaluating its capabilities in a strategically significant location.