India’s indigenously built Tejas light combat is competing against Pakistan’s JF-17 and South Korea’s FA-50 Golden Eagle to bag fighter jet contract of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), reported The Times of India. Last month, Tejas showcased its skills in the Langkawi International Maritime Aero Expo -2019 (LIMA-2019) in Malaysia. Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr Mahathir Bin Mohamad and Defence Minister of the country Mohamad Sabu also interacted with team of the Indian Air Force (IAFP participating in the exercise. Aero India 2019: General Bipin Rawat Takes Sortie of LCA-Tejas; Watch Video.
The demo pilot of Tejas MK1 Group Captain Samrath Dhankar exuded confidence that Tejas fighter will be able to fulfill the requirements of the RMAF. “The RMAF (Royal Malaysian Air Force) officials appeared really happy as the aircraft far exceeded their expectations. Clearly, we are not selling a product here but a capability in itself,” reported TOI quoting Grp Cpt Dinkar as saying. IAF’s First Bi-Annual Commanders’ Conference Begins Today at Vayu Bhawan; Nirmala Sitharaman Lauds Air Warriors For Displaying Highest Level of Professionalism.
The IAF officer also added that jet’s fly-by-wire capability, air-to-air refuelling, the avionics have been wonderfully-integrated and the open architecture computer systems where both Russian and Western weaponry can be used, making Tejas a different generation fighter. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s JF-17, which is built on Chinese design and technology, did not participate in the LIMA-2019. Importantly, India has successfully crossed the Request for Information (RFI) stage. Meanwhile, the next stage of Request for Proposal (RFP) will be carried out after Pakistan and South Korea clears the RFI stage. India Successfully Test Fires Nirbhay, Supersonic Cruise Missile From Integrated Test Range in Odisha.
Tejas, had received its final operational clearance (FOC) during the Aero India 2019 which was held in Bengaluru in February this year. The FOC Certificate and Release to Service Document (RSD) were handed over to the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on the opening day of Aero India 2019.
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