PTI
New Delhi, February 12
India will showcase its Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) at the four-day Singapore Airshow next week, with an eye on the locally developed jet’s possible export potential to friendly countries in the coming years.
Three Tejas fighter jets and a contingent of 44 Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel reached Singapore on Saturday to take part in the air show to be held from February 15-18.
“The IAF will showcase the indigenous Tejas MK-I aircraft alongside participants from around the world,” the MoD said.
The Tejas aircraft will captivate audiences with its low altitude aerobatic display displaying its superior handling characteristics and maneuverability,” it said in a statement.
Manufactured by state-run aerospace giant Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, the Tejas aircraft is a powerful platform for air combat and offensive air support missions, while reconnaissance and anti-ship operations are his supporting roles.
Singapore Air Show is a biannual event that provides a platform for the global aviation industry to showcase its products.
“The Indian Air Force’s participation in the air show provides India with the opportunity to showcase the Tejas aircraft and interact with its counterparts from the Royal Singapore Air Force and other participating contingents,” said the ministry.
In the past, the IAF has participated in similar airshows like LIMA-2019 in Malaysia and the Dubai Airshow last year to display local aircraft and training aerobatic teams.
India will display Tejas jets in Singapore for two weeks after the Philippines reached a $375 million deal with India to purchase three batteries of the BrahMos cruise missile.
In recent years, India has stepped up its efforts to increase the export of military platforms to friendly countries.
The Ministry of Defense has set a revenue target of $25 billion (Rs 1.75 lakh crore) in defense manufacturing by 2025, which included an export target of $5 billion. dollars (Rs 35,000 crore) of military equipment.
The government also focused on reducing reliance on imported military platforms and moved to support domestic defense manufacturing.
