Introducing Tejas: India's interceptor, battle-ready by 2015

India's indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas got its second Initial Operation Clearance on 20 December 2013 at an event in Bangalore, which was attended by Defence Minister AK Antony. For the next 12 to 15 months, the Air Force will integrate the new aircraft into the force. Tejas is expected to be battle ready by the end of 2015.

India's indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas got its second Initial Operation Clearance on 20 December 2013 at an event in Bangalore, which was attended by Defence Minister AK Antony.

For the next 12 to 15 months, the Indian Air Force will integrate the new aircraft into the force.
Defence Minister AK Antony with Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne during the event.
Tejas is expected to be battle-ready by the end of 2015.

The first 20 Tejas planes will be powered by the American GE-404 engines; the next six Mark-II squadrons (16-18 jets in each) will have the more powerful GE F-414 engines.
Tejas will be replacing the aging MiG-21 Russian-made fighter aircraft and play a key role in air defence in the form of an interceptor.
Defence Minister AK Antony and Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne with IAF pilots during the event.