Tejas LCA exports likely after operational induction
10 Jan 2011
Bangalore: The indigenously built Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), which received its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) today, could also be exported to friendly countries, defence officials said.
''We would also consider selling the planes to other friendly countries, but that would be decided only after the induction of the fighter into the IAF,'' sources said.
Tejas is the smallest lightweight, multi-role, single-engine tactical fighter aircraft in the world. It is being developed as a single-seat fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force and also as a two-seat training aircraft.
Initials reports had suggested that the Indian Air Force may order as many as 200 of these fighters.
The testing of a carrier-borne version of the Tejas, in single-seat and two-seat versions with a modified nose, strengthened landing gear and an arrestor-hook, is also afoot. The carrier variant has retractable canards and adjustable vortex control.
Indian defence sources point with pride to many of the technologies developed indigenously for the fighter.
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