Tejas creates history, enters IAF Squadron

Bengaluru, July 1: Aviation Capital witnessed history on Friday when the Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted the first squadron of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

At a low-key event held at Aircraft Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), a premier wing of IAF situated on Wind Tunnel Road, the much-awaited No 45 Squadron Flying Daggers was commissioned.

Air Marshal Jasbir Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command was the Chief Guest during the induction ceremony.

Many prominent serving and retired IAF personnel were present to witness the event. The induction ceremony saw two Series Production fighters (SP-1, SP-2) joining the Squadron.

Group Captain M Rangachari is the first Commanding Officer of new Squadron. He leads a team of seven officers, 42 air warriors and 11 NCs.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha had termed the commissioning of Tejas as a major event in the history of IAF. He also had flown the aircraft on May 17 in Bengaluru.

[Read: What makes Tejas important?]

As reported by OneIndia, IAF is keen to have four series production aircraft ahead of the Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon this year on October 8.

Friday's event was witnessed by DRDO Chief Dr S Christopher, HAL Chairman T S Raju, ADA Chief Cmde C D Balaji (Retd) and Tejas Programme Management Team (PMT) Director Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar.

Dr V K Aatre, former DRDO Chief told OneIndia that Tejas is an excellent aircraft with great safety records.
"Huge step for the future aircraft missions in India," Dr Aatre said.

HAL Chairman T S Raju said efforts are on to get the remaining series production aircraft on time.
"We are on track," he said.

OneIndia News