Induction of Tejas "fills our hearts with unparalleled pride": PM (Amended)

Lauding the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on the induction of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas into the Indian Air Force, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said this illustrates the skills and strengths to enhance indigenous defence manufacturing.

"Induction of indigenously made Tejas fighter jet into the Air Force fills our hearts with unparalleled pride & happiness. #TransformingIndia," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

"I laud HAL & ADA on the induction of Tejas fighter jet. This illustrates our skills & strengths to enhance indigenous defence manufacturing," he said in another tweet.

The indigenization efforts received a shot in the arm today when Tejas was inducted into Indian Air Force in Bengaluru today.

The first squadron named as 'Flying Daggers' was formed when Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Air Command, Air Marshal Jasbir Walia,, handed over two aircrafts to Group Captain Madhav Rangacharya, the commanding officer of 'Tejas'.

Tejas is a single-engine multi-role fighter jet, pegged to be world's smallest and lightest supersonic fighter.

Defence Aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has commenced the initial serial production of 'Tejas' with plans to supply six aircraft to IAF this year and eight next year.

The squadron is expected to reach full strength of 20 aircrafts by 2020. The squadron will be based in Bengaluru for the first two years before being moved to Sulur airbase in Tamil Nadu.

Tejas will be an alternative combat aircraft that will replace the ageing MiG 21 series in the Indian Air Force.