New Delhi
In a significant show of support for India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities, Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, the newly designated Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has publicly expressed high praise for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas following his sortie in the fighter jet.
The endorsement comes nearly two years after Lt Gen Subramani, then serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, flew the Tejas alongside the then Vice Chiefs of the Navy and Air Force in September 2024. Vice Admiral Swaminathan and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, now the Chief of the Air Staff, also undertook sorties in the indigenous platform during the same period.
Describing his experience, Lt Gen Subramani lauded the aircraft’s performance and highlighted the critical role of military leadership in championing homegrown defence technologies. “Leaders who actively support and value indigenous platforms are essential for the success of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he emphasised during interactions following the flight.
Defence analysts view this high-level endorsement from the country’s future apex military coordinator as a powerful morale booster for the Tejas programme. The LCA Mk-1A variant is currently in production by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with the Indian Air Force having placed firm orders for 83 aircraft. The platform has steadily matured, achieving Initial Operational Clearance and demonstrating improved reliability, maintainability, and combat capability in recent years.
The timing of Lt Gen Subramani’s remarks carries added weight as the Indian armed forces push for greater self-reliance in critical platforms amid evolving regional security dynamics. The Tejas programme represents a cornerstone of India’s ambition to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for frontline fighter aircraft.
Senior defence officials see such hands-on engagement by top leadership as instrumental in building confidence within the services. With the CDS-designate set to assume office soon, observers anticipate accelerated momentum towards deeper integration of indigenous systems across the tri-services.
This development reinforces India’s strategic trajectory of fostering a robust domestic defence industry, potentially paving the way for expanded export opportunities and technological advancements in future Tejas variants, including the more advanced Mk-2.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.