LAST week the IAF formally inducted the indigenously developed Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA). This ‘event’ was hailed by many as a major milestone and technological leap in India’s military aviation history. So far only two of these aircraft have been inducted into the IAF’s first Tejas squadron which will be stationed in Bengaluru for at least two years under the ‘care’ of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited before it is relocated to an operational air base. The squadron is expected to achieve its full complement of 16 fighter versions and two to four more trainer versions of these aircraft during this two-year period.Is there much to celebrate? Fighter aircraft are highly complex and manoeuvrable extreme machines which operate in a high stress aviation environment that comprises sharp turns, high acceleration and the danger of gravity-induced loss of consciousness for pilots who are required to operate sophisticated on board avionics and weapon systems. On the face of it, India has joined a select group of countries that make fighter aircraft, yet that it is still early days for the Tejas which is not yet a ‘finished’ fighter. The much delayed LCA, conceived 33 years ago, was meant to replace the antiquated Soviet-origin MiG-21s which the IAF continues to operate because of inordinate delays and slippages in the development of the Tejas. Unfortunately, the Tejas Mk-I is a heavily compromised aircraft with significant shortfalls in operational performance and capability due to over 50 concessions and waivers. The present Mk-I version is yet to receive its final operational clearance and continues to be import-dependent for 65 per cent of its components ranging from radars and armaments to its engine.The Tejas thus still has a long way to go provided there are no further delays in the development of the subsequent two versions — Mk-IA and Mk-II — in which the shortcomings are expected to be addressed. The next challenge will be to develop Tejas into a fully mature and dependable fighter. The IAF’s fighter strength is fast depleting, and this is all the more reason that we move beyond symbolism.
