Finally India managed to built their own fighter jets

Having developed for over 30 years, finally Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) delivered two units of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) dubbed 'Tejas' to the Indian military. Although mentioned as made in India, not all components of the fighter jet was made in India. For example, its jet engine used for this aircraft was made by General Electric.

Tejas inducted into No.45 Squadron of Indian Air Force at HAL airport in Bengaluru on July 1, 2016. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1cHEUt)

Tejas was the second fighter aircraft developed and produced by India. Previously, HAL successfully developed the HF-24 Marut, the bombers were used until the 1990s. And two unit of Tejas fighter jets has received by the Indian military will form a new squadron officially opened on July 1, 2016.

However, the number of Tejas fighter jets in the No.45 Squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF) named "Flying Daggers" it will be complete in 2020. As an advanced fighter jet, the selling prices of Tejas relatively cheap. Just look, HAL set the Tejas's price of US. $28 million per unit, as compared with US. $40 million for the Sukhoi Su-35 Russian-made jets.

Two of the 15 pre-production Tejas jet fighters produced by HAL and used for test and evaluation. The LCA made its maiden flight on January 4, 2001. (PIcture from: http://adf.ly/1cHGlT)

Although it has completed the first unit, HAL has not stopped to fix their new fighter jets. In the near future the Indian company will finalize cooperation with the Swedish defense contractor, SAAB, to produce the Tejas's electronic radar in India. Saab will also supply a variety of electronic devices needed by HAL in developing their fighter jets.

Many military observers believe the HAL Tejas manufactured to rival the PAC JF-17 Thunder fighter jet developed by China and Pakistan. To build the Tejas, HAL uses composite materials not only make the weight of the aircraft becomes lighter, but also increase the effectiveness of radar.

HAL Tejas will replace the fleet of Sukhoi Su-30 MKII and MiG-29 who will retire later than in 2030. In addition, India also purchased 39 units of the Dassault Rafale, a French-made fighter jet with a value of US. $8.9 billion. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS]

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