
Lightweight, fast, powerful: India's Tejas beats all fighter jets to become number 1 by..., dubbed as most...
Tejas made its first flight in 2001 and entered into service with the IAF in 2015. Tejas is the smallest and lightest in its class of supersonic fighter jets. It is not only a symbol of technical excellence, but it has also become an example in the whole world due to its lightweight structure and strong performance. This light but dangerous aircraft weighs only 6.5 tons, which gives it amazing speed and agility in the air. What are the features of Tejas?
Tejas is a light but dangerous aircraft that weighs only 6.5 tons, which gives it amazing speed and agility in the air. These qualities of Tejas prove the indigenous defence capability of India and put it in the league of the best fighter jets in the world.
Tejas has used state-of-the-art carbon fiber composite, which makes the aircraft strong while keeping it lightweight, making it the world's lightest supersonic fighter. How powerful is its engine and flight capability?
Tejas can fly at a speed of Mach 1.8 (2,220 kmph) due to the F404-GE-IN20 turbofan engine. It flies comfortably up to an altitude of 15,000 meters, which puts it at the forefront of the fight.
Tejas has multi-role capabilities, by which it can operate on both air and ground. It can carry air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles and anti-ship missiles, making it extremely dangerous. How much is Tejas' firepower?
The GSh-23 cannon fitted in Tejas for close combat creates huge trouble for the enemies. It is far ahead of others in terms of firepower. Apart from that, it is fitted with state-of-the-art radar and avionics, giving the pilot complete information about the battlefield. Its advanced avionics prove helpful in both defence and attack. Tejas is a game-changer on the battlefield
Because of its light weight and fast manoeuvrability, Tejas is a very big challenge for the enemy. It gives an edge to the Air Force and increases military strength manifold.
It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (2,220 kmph), combat range of 739 km, ferry range of 3,000 km, and service ceiling of 16,000 meters.
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News18
a day ago
- News18
At Mach 1.8, South Korea's KF-21 Has Left American F-35s In The Dust
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First Post
a day ago
- First Post
Apache induction and Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Striking the right balance in defence modernisation
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Balancing high-impact imports like the Apache with local development is a budgeting tightrope; every year indigenisation is delayed, and the cost of dependency rises. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Way Forward The induction of the AH-64E Apache Guardian into the Indian Army represents a strategic bridge linking India's current capability requirements with its long-term self-reliance goals. While indigenous platforms like the Prachand and Rudra are key components of India's defence future, systems like the Apache provide essential firepower and survivability in the present. Defence Journalist Ajay Banerjee notes that in the next 3-4 years, the Indian Army will need to procure 11 more Apaches and Chinooks to meet its requirements. For India to realise the full potential of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector, it must accelerate indigenous innovation, reform procurement, and invest in globally competitive platforms. Until then, smart and selective imports like the Apache will remain critical pillars of India's national security architecture. The Apache offers proven combat capability essential for high-altitude and joint operations, and its procurement also underscores the continued reliance on foreign platforms. To address this, India must prioritise public–private partnerships, foster joint ventures with foreign OEMs, and invest in an indigenous engine development ecosystem. Simultaneously, reforming procurement procedures and expediting R&D cycles will be crucial to reducing external dependency. The author is a researcher at the United Service Institution of India, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.


India Today
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