IAF Chief AP Singh Flies Final Sortie in Tejas Fighter at Tarang Shakti
· India · Hindustan Times, Times of India
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew his final sortie in a Tejas light combat aircraft from the Jodhpur airbase ahead of his retirement on October 31. The flight took place during the multilateral combat exercise Tarang Shakti, which concludes on Monday with participation from eight air forces and 32 observer nations. The Chief of Air Staff flew the aircraft's initial Mk-1 variant, while the air force currently operates 30 LCA Mk-1 fighters and eight trainer aircraft. Meanwhile, the advanced LCA Mk-1A variant is nearing induction after missing several deadlines due to engine supply delays by US firm GE Aerospace and certification hurdles. The IAF has placed two orders for 180 Mk-1A jets worth a combined ₹1.1 lakh crore, with deliveries under the first contract expected to begin in December.
Why it matters
The impending induction of the LCA Mk-1A marks a critical milestone for India's indigenous defence manufacturing push, directly impacting the operational readiness and fleet modernization of the Indian Air Force.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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