India finally flies indigenous fighter jet Tejas

The fighter plane has undergone improvements since IOC-I in terms of its angle of attack and weapons delivery and has been tested for operation in different weather conditions.

The test pilots Friday gave a display of modern avionics at the HAL grounds here and demonstrated the ability of Tejas to fire missiles with helmet-mounted display system.

HAL has started producing Tejas Mark I at its Limited Series Production hangar here and the first fighter jet is expected to be delivered to the IAF in March next year.

Officials said HAL plans to initially produce eight LCAs every year and then scale up production to 16.

Tejas can fly 1,700 km non-stop and has "glass cockpit display system".

K. Tamil Mani, director general at the Aeronautical Systems of DRDO, told IANS Thursday that "the aircraft is 65 percent indigenous". He said the engine, ejection seat and radar are among the components that have been imported.

Officials estimate the development cost of the Tejas to be around Rs.10,000 crore.

Antony said IOC-II of Tejas was a significant milestone in indigisation through self-reliance.

"We can declare we are nearing success. We have passed the semi-final," he said.

The minister said India can make world class fighter aircraft, warship and tanks.

He called for major breakthrough in the next five years in all areas in which India was lagging behind.