Indian Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Achieves Initial Operating Capability

India's locally designed Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk I received its initial operational clearance (IOC) at Bangalore on 20 December, 30 years after the programme began.

"The success achieved in this important national project is highly significant and puts our nation firmly on the path of achieving self reliance in the critical aerospace sector," Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne said at the IOC ceremony.

"Team Tejas will have to now sprint the last lap towards final operational clearance [FOC]," said Defence Minister A K Antony, who presided over proceedings. "This will equip Tejas with in-flight refuelling, beyond-visual-range missiles, close combat missiles, additional weapons, and new drop tanks for supersonic flight."

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