Tejas Fighter Jet: India's Indigenous Aircraft's History, Capabilities and Recent Dubai Air Show Incident

The Tejas fighter jet has a maximum payload capacity of 4,000 kg. (File)

New Delhi:

An indigenous Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon. The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed that the pilot lost his life in this unfortunate incident.

Here Are 5 Essential Facts About The Tejas Fighter Aircraft:

The Tejas primarily operates as a single-seater fighter aircraft, though the IAF also utilizes a twin-seat trainer variant. Similarly, the Indian Navy employs the twin-seater version. The Technology Demonstrator-1 (TD-1) completed its first test flight in 2001, while the Second Series Production (SP2) Tejas aircraft with Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) configuration took its maiden flight on March 22, 2016.

Operating as a single-pilot, single-engine aircraft, the Tejas can carry a maximum payload of 4,000 kg. Its maximum takeoff weight stands at 13,300 kg.

The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is classified as a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter, designed specifically to provide offensive air support. It also delivers close combat support for ground operations.

The 'Flying Daggers', No 45 Squadron, became the first IAF squadron to incorporate the Tejas into its fleet in 2016. This indigenous fighter is renowned for being the smallest and lightest aircraft in its category. Its compact dimensions combined with extensive composite structure usage contribute significantly to its reduced weight.

In a significant advancement for India's indigenous defense manufacturing initiative, the government approved the acquisition of 97 LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force in August, reinforcing the Make in India defense project.