India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas made its debut at Langkawi and only its second international performance. Two examples from the No 45 Squadron, Flying Daggers were brought to LIMA Langkawi as a contender for Malaysian Light Fighter jet procurement
India’s indigenous supersonic fighter jet Tejas for the first time participate in aerial displays during the five-day Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Malaysia.
India has been projecting the Tejas aircraft in a big way as it has been manufactured indigenously at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas made a spectacular debut on the first day of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aviation (LIMA) airshow in Malaysia.
The aircraft, piloted by Group Capt. Smarth Dhankar put up an impressive performance for nearly 10 minutes in the skies over Langkawi. Performing maneuvers such as loop, slow speed pass, minimum radius turn, maximum rate turn, negative G turn and point rolls, the aircraft kept the gathered visitors enthralled during the performance.
This is the first time that the LCA Tejas is participating in an international air show after its induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
A spokesperson for the IAF team which brought the two LCA Tejas aircraft to Langkawi told this corespondent that the Tejas and the supporting aircraft flow into Langkawi following a refueling stop in Myanmar.
The Tejas, which received its final operational clearance earlier this year, is a possible contender for Malaysia’s light fighter jet procurement project. The Indian jet is in competition against the Chinese-Pakistani JF-17, South Korean F-50 and Russian YAK-130. With an initial purchase of 12 units, Malaysia is also looking to have an option for additional 24 units in the future.
“India’s indigenous supersonic Light Combat Aircraft(LCA)-Tejas & the world’s lightest supersonic fighter which has already joined IAF, is for the 1st time taking part in aerial displays during 05 days Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition,” the IAF said on its official Twitter handle.
#LIMA2019 : Flying readily captures the imagination of everyone, indeed display flying, epitomises daring, adventure & glamour associated with fighter flying.
The show commenced on 26 Mar 19, glimpses of #Tejas at Malaysia on 1st day of LIMA-19.@chedetofficial@SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/QJ7KI5Olet— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 27, 2019
“Today was the final practise session before the opening display for LIMA 2019, commencing 26th March 2019. IAF’s Tejas (LCA) during the practise session today at Langkawi International Airport, Malaysia,” the IAF tweeted.
The Langkawi International Maritime Aero Expo (LIMA-2019) is planned in Langkawi, Malaysia from March 26 to March 30, which will provide an opportunity to the IAF air-warriors to interact with their Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) counterparts and foster close relationship between the two services.
This will serve as a foundation for any future interaction with the Malaysian Air Force. It will also provide an opportunity to RMAF to assess the capabilities of LCA, an official statement said.
