The Tejas: Not quite a coming-of-age for India's indigenous defence industry

[vivINDIAN]

On 20 December the Indian Air Force (IAF) will induct the country's first indigenous fighter jet, the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), in Bangalore. The Tejas has been many painful years in the making.

It was first seriously mooted in the 1980s, the first technology demonstrator came in 1995, and it's had over 2400 flight tests since it first flew in 2001. With the accident-prone MiG-21 Bison fleet ageing, India desperately needs to fill the looming gap at the lower, lighter, and cheaper end of its combat fleet.

The IAF plans eventually to build up to seven squadrons (around 140 aircraft) of the Tejas, and although some aren't sure it's good enough — only a couple of years ago, defence analysts like Ashley Tellis were seriously questioning whether it would ever see the light of day — others insist that it's a solid platform that will slot in well under India's growing array of heavier, more expensive, and more capable Russian and French fighters.


Yet the Tejas is hardly the triumph of indigenous engineering India hoped it would be. The engine at the heart of it is imported from the US, and only 53% of the remaining components— including some of the most crucial — are indigenous. Its production by the public-sector Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has been horribly lethargic.

The Tejas: Not quite a coming-of-age for India's indigenous defence industry

 

[Echo_419]

Indeginous content will go up once production starts
These things happen in phases
Though there is requirement for massive reforms in DPSUs

 

[vicky sen]

Rafael, Tejas and Sukhoi....waiting for that day!!!

I do feel there is a need to privatize some of the PSUs.

 

[KRAIT]

53 % is more than enough for me at this point considering LCA as 4+ gen aircraft made by India.

 

[!nv!ctu$]

no need to remain bullish about "Indigenous Items"..things will mature slowly,especially when we don't have much of a defence industry to boast for.hell,even if you look towards other frontline jets from countries apart from USA and Russia,they too have significant amount foreign components even when they've tech and defence giants.eg.take a look at Gripen or F-2.

 

[thesolar65]

Just don't villianise the PSUs. Remember, when India Got independence, there were hardly any money with Private Industry to set up large factories. Only Tata, Birla, some other persons which one could count with the fingers at that time. PSUs were a necessity at that time considering getting technology, getting to set up an industrial base, generating employment etc.

It is also true that because of mismanagement the PSUs have come to this state. And why not, they were purely meant for employment, making or even thinking of profit was evil at that time. The present state is their own making. Bad Management, trade unions, bad work culture has ruined it.

PSUs have made tremendous contribution to the society. They have lived their life. Now as a Teacher they should guide/share with the private Industry the tech/knowledge they have gain and see that not only LCA but everything will be of 100% indeginious.

Just start the damn production. Everything will fall in line true to Indian Juggad System.

 

[Alphacharlie]

On 20 December the Indian Air Force (IAF) will induct the country's first indigenous fighter jet, the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), in Bangalore. The Tejas has been many painful years in the making.

It was first seriously mooted in the 1980s, the first technology demonstrator came in 1995, and it's had over 2400 flight tests since it first flew in 2001. With the accident-prone MiG-21 Bison fleet ageing, India desperately needs to fill the looming gap at the lower, lighter, and cheaper end of its combat fleet.

The IAF plans eventually to build up to seven squadrons (around 140 aircraft) of the Tejas, and although some aren't sure it's good enough — only a couple of years ago, defence analysts like Ashley Tellis were seriously questioning whether it would ever see the light of day — others insist that it's a solid platform that will slot in well under India's growing array of heavier, more expensive, and more capable Russian and French fighters.


Yet the Tejas is hardly the triumph of indigenous engineering India hoped it would be. The engine at the heart of it is imported from the US, and only 53% of the remaining components— including some of the most crucial — are indigenous. Its production by the public-sector Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has been horribly lethargic.

The Tejas: Not quite a coming-of-age for India's indigenous defence industry

PROUD MOMENT FOR MY NATION.

2nd Indian FIGHTER After MARUT...

ALL THE BEST

 

[faithfulguy]

Indians should be proud of this achievement. @JayAtl, you should be more proud of this achievement by your country than cheering for a football team across the continental US, your current country of residence.

 

[Raje amar]

Definitely a commendable achievement by Indians.

All the indigenization will happened, just give it time to mature. All the required efforts are at place.

 

[indoPunjabi]

Something is better than nothing...cheers for HAL

 

[Storm Force]

looks nice the 2 seater

amazing looking NOW its ready for service

 

[Slayer786]

Indeginous content will go up once production starts
These things happen in phases
Though there is requirement for massive reforms in DPSUs

lol. How long do you guys need? It has been in planning since the 1980s. Even now you guys are supporting this failed venture. Amazing.
But it does tell a lot about Indian engineering not so good talent.

 

[Water Car Engineer]

Indians should be proud of this achievement. @JayAtl, you should be more proud of this achievement by your country than cheering for a football team across the continental US, your current country of residence.

Rich, coming from a closet Chinese hiding behind a US flag.

 

[Jade]

Light Combat Aircraft is a solid platform

Indians should be proud of this achievement. @JayAtl, you should be more proud of this achievement by your country than cheering for a football team across the continental US, your current country of residence.

Why would he be an Indian, if he has a US passport? He clarified many a times that he is of Indian origin. Where is the contradiction? Half my family hold US passports; they call themselves US citizens and would not it be odd if they call themselves Indians while holding a US passport?

 

[Mitro]

You Are very knowledgeble member can you please ellaborate what are india's contribution i.e 53% in tejas .Thank you in advance.

53 % is more than enough for me at this point considering LCA as 4+ gen aircraft made by India.

You are talking about maturity its in ICU and breathing its last breath .

Definitely a commendable achievement by Indians.

All the indigenization will happened, just give it time to mature. All the required efforts are at place.