Make Tejas a success: Antony

Defence Minister A K Antony today asked scientists to make the home-grown light combat aircraft 'Tejas' a success to further the process of indigenisation of the country's defence system.

Addressing scientists at the Aeronautical Development Agency here, Antony, while congratulating them, called on them to make the LCA a success.

"The entire country is watching for the day when LCA becomes a success," the minister said after taking stock of the project which has repeatedly slipped into time and cost overruns.

He also emphasised the need for indigenisation of the country's defence system and felt that the "year 2008 would be crucial", according to a defence press release. The media was not invited for any of the minister's engagements here.

Antony, who was briefed on the status of the LCA project, witnessed a demonstration flight of Tejas here. Piloted by group captain Harish, the Tejas PV-2 executed skillful manoeuvres such as the 360 degree roll and loop at low speed, tear drop turn, "derry turn", high 'G' turn before flying past the VIP dais in a 'wrong side up' (inverted position). This was followed by a display by the Dhruv advanced light helicopters.

The minister was given a briefing on the smart technology initiatives.

Later, he went to the ADA's system design and evaluation facility where the minister entered the cockpit simulation facility of Tejas to get a first-hand experience of the pilot's view.

He also toured the ADA's weapons integration laboratory and the Mobile Telemetry facility at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.