India's Tejas Mk2 in Final Trials

Trials of India's upgraded Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the Tejas Mk 2, are now reportedly in the final stages.

Tests of the Tejas are being conducted in Pokhran field firing range. The aircraft is being tested on various parameters from last two days. State-run Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force officials were present in the range during trials, TOI reported Friday.

According to the report, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has introduced new features in the engine of LCA Tejas.

Enumerating features of the aircraft, official sources said, “LCA Tejas Mark-II has better serviceability, faster weapon loading time, enhanced survivability, better electronic warfare suit and radar which significantly enhance its capability. It has air to air and air to ground attack capabilities.”

“Tejas is the first advance fly-by-wire fighter aircraft designed, developed and manufactured in India. Conceived as a MiG-21 replacement, it has been designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and produced by HAL. It is to the credit of its designers, manufacturer, technicians and test crew, that LCA has flown more than 3,000 sorties / 2,000 hours till date without any mishap,” sources said.