In Pics: PM Modi Takes To The Skies In Tejas Fighter During HAL Visit In Bengaluru

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the skies in a Tejas fighter jet during his visit to the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru on Saturday.

His trip aimed to oversee the ongoing operations at the manufacturing facility.

According to prior sources, the prime minister's agenda included a comprehensive review of HAL's manufacturing setup, specifically focusing on the production of Tejas jets.

Modi has been a staunch advocate for bolstering indigenous defence production, emphasizing his government's efforts to advance manufacturing within India and boost exports.

The Tejas, a light combat aircraft, has garnered interest from multiple countries. During the prime minister's state visit to the US, US defence giant GE Aerospace forged an agreement with HAL to jointly manufacture engines for the Mk-II-Tejas.

Highlighting India's achievements, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh revealed in April of the current year that the nation's defence exports had reached an all-time high of Rs 15,920 crore in FY 2022-2023, marking a significant milestone for the country.