Indian Air Force (IAF) is still grimly determined not to accept the indigenous light combat aircraft, Tejas, in the current shape it is in. A senior armed forces’ official, posted with the Headquarters Integrated Defence Service said on Friday, ‘The LCA is still awaiting Initial Operational Clearance. We know we shall have to dilute our service qualitative requirement for the aircraft to clear the hump of the Final Operational Clearance.’
One recalls that almost two years ago, on 10 Jan, 2011, a jamboree was held at the HAL’s own Yelahanka airport, where the Defence Research and Development Organisation had very ceremoniously declared that the home-made light fighter aircraft is being handed over to the IAF for operationalisation. This was a result, the DRDO had stated, of the aircraft being awarded IOC by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification. It was then projected that by June, two LCAs will be delivered to the force, with another two following in Dec, 2011.
Then air chief Marshall PV Naik had, however, showed his apprehensions about the airworthiness of the aircraft. He had said then that the aircraft was still not a ‘fourth generation’ light fighter aircraft but could be called MiG-21++. While considering Naik’s appreciation for a second generation fighter aircraft like the Mig 21, one could still say that he was not writing off the indigenous aircraft completely.
But, he wanted numerous improvements. Some of the changes were quite critical like lightning strike clearance, among others. They also wanted a new engine, General Electric’s F414, to replace then used F404.
Dr VK Saraswat, the director general DRDO who is also the Scientific Adviser of the Defence Minister, AK Antony, had promised that all the demands of the of the air force will be accommodated and the changes to the aircraft as soon as possible.
However, two years on, most of the milestones the Tejas were to cross remains. As a defence for these maladies, the DRDO trots out the old accusation it harbours against the armed forces.
One recalls that almost two years ago, on 10 Jan, 2011, a jamboree was held at the HAL’s own Yelahanka airport, where the Defence Research and Development Organisation had very ceremoniously declared that the home-made light fighter aircraft is being handed over to the IAF for operationalisation. This was a result, the DRDO had stated, of the aircraft being awarded IOC by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification. It was then projected that by June, two LCAs will be delivered to the force, with another two following in Dec, 2011.
Then air chief Marshall PV Naik had, however, showed his apprehensions about the airworthiness of the aircraft. He had said then that the aircraft was still not a ‘fourth generation’ light fighter aircraft but could be called MiG-21++. While considering Naik’s appreciation for a second generation fighter aircraft like the Mig 21, one could still say that he was not writing off the indigenous aircraft completely.
But, he wanted numerous improvements. Some of the changes were quite critical like lightning strike clearance, among others. They also wanted a new engine, General Electric’s F414, to replace then used F404.
Dr VK Saraswat, the director general DRDO who is also the Scientific Adviser of the Defence Minister, AK Antony, had promised that all the demands of the of the air force will be accommodated and the changes to the aircraft as soon as possible.
However, two years on, most of the milestones the Tejas were to cross remains. As a defence for these maladies, the DRDO trots out the old accusation it harbours against the armed forces.