Air Force chief RKS Bhadauria on Thursday said that Tejas, Indian light combat aircraft, is far better and advanced than the Chinese-Pakistani JF-17 fighter jets, adding it would be better equipped to carry out Balakot-type airstrikes.
"Indian aircraft Tejas is far better and advanced than the Chinese and Pakistan joint venture JF-17 fighter and In terms of strike capability, it will have the capability of a standoff weapon which will be even beyond the capability we used during Balakot airstrikes", ANI reported quoting its sources.
Noting the approval of the largest indigenous defence procurement deal to buy 83 LCA Tejas, Air Chief Bhadauria said that the deal is a huge step for IAF capability building, adding that the current strength of the two-squadron plan of LCA will now increase to six.
"Order of 83 aircraft is huge. When this kind of order takes shape in the next 8-9 years, the entire ecosystem will get set up. For military aviation, it will be a big step. It will make a big base for fighter aircraft production, maintenance and support”.
"It is a huge step for IAF capability building. It is also a big boost to our indigenous industry. It is also a big recognition of our designers. It is a huge step for Indian Air Force and for the country," he added.
On the possible deployment of the newly procured aircraft, he said, "The 83 aircraft will look after four squadrons. The current strength of the two-squadron plan of LCA will now increase to six. Essentially the deployment will be frontline."
The deal to be signed in the next few days with HAL would strengthen the Indian Air Force's fleet of homegrown fighter jet ''LCA-Tejas'' and overall combat capability.
