Bangalore: Marking a milestone in India's military aviation, the indigenously-built Light Combat Aircraft Tejas on Friday received initial clearance for induction into the Air Force, 30 years after the sanction of the programme estimated to cost around Rs 25,000 crore.
The single-engine light weight state-of-the-art fighter aircraft will replace the ageing fleet of MiG 21s from the IAF and will be fully operational after attaining the 'Final Operational Clearance' (FOC) scheduled for the end of 2014.
Defence Minister A.K. Antony handed over the 500-page 'Release to Service Certificate' of the aircraft to IAF Chief N.A.K. Browne marking the country's elevation into the select club of nations with capability to produce fighter aircraft.
"During the last three years, the capabilities of the aircraft have been improved significantly. In recognition of the enhanced capabilities, IAF has decided to grant it a higher status, namely, the IOC-II for induction into the service," Antony said.
IOC II signifies that the multi-role single engine light weight fighter is airworthy in different conditions and can now be flown by regular IAF pilots, but it will have to pass several key tests before receiving the FOC.
20/12/13 Deccan Chronicle
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The single-engine light weight state-of-the-art fighter aircraft will replace the ageing fleet of MiG 21s from the IAF and will be fully operational after attaining the 'Final Operational Clearance' (FOC) scheduled for the end of 2014.
Defence Minister A.K. Antony handed over the 500-page 'Release to Service Certificate' of the aircraft to IAF Chief N.A.K. Browne marking the country's elevation into the select club of nations with capability to produce fighter aircraft.
"During the last three years, the capabilities of the aircraft have been improved significantly. In recognition of the enhanced capabilities, IAF has decided to grant it a higher status, namely, the IOC-II for induction into the service," Antony said.
IOC II signifies that the multi-role single engine light weight fighter is airworthy in different conditions and can now be flown by regular IAF pilots, but it will have to pass several key tests before receiving the FOC.
20/12/13 Deccan Chronicle
