Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari commends LCA Tejas Mk1's capabilities in Tarang Shakti exercise at Sulur Air Force Station, Coimbatore. IAF plans to conduct similar exercises biennially.
Coimbatore: Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari expressed pride in the performance of India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 during the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti held at Sulur Air Force Station in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu.
"Our LCA's size does not matter. The aircraft proved its capabilities in realistic combat settings as part of blue force and red force. We are proud of its performance. This was the first time the LCA Mk-1 took part in a large force engagement with other aircraft, and we are proud of the performance," said Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari.
The IAF Chief stated that the Indian Air Force would increase the use of LCA Tejas in air combat drills both within India and internationally. He also announced plans to conduct the Tarang Shakti exercise at least every alternate year, emphasizing that this was just the beginning of such multinational exercises.
Addressing the procurement plans, Chaudhari mentioned that the IAF had received responses to the Request for Information (RFI) for Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) and had floated an RFI for six tanker aircraft for aerial refuelling. He added that one tanker aircraft would be procured on lease for training purposes.
The Air Chief Marshal highlighted the mutual learning experience during Tarang Shakti, where participating countries shared best practices, professional skills, and had the opportunity to fly each other's aircraft.
Currently, the Indian Air Force has around 40 LCA Mk-1 aircraft based at the Sulur Air Force Station. While Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is expected to deliver the Tejas LCA Mk-1A by March 31, 2024, the delivery of the advanced version might take longer.
Chaudhari noted that if adequate numbers of Tejas LCA Mk-1As were available, they would have participated in the Tarang Shakti air exercise. He also mentioned plans to enhance infrastructure on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The multinational exercise saw participation from high-ranking officials of other countries. Chief of the French Air and Space Force General Stéphane Mille and German Air Force Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz flew in an LCA Mk-1, while IAF Chief Chaudhari and Spanish Air and Space Force Air General Francisco Braco Carbó flew in a Su30MKI fighter jet.