By IANS,
Bangalore : The star attraction at the inauguration of the Aero India international air show here Wednesday was a breathtaking series of aerial manoeuvres by the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA).
While Tejas has flown at previous editions of the air show, this was the first time it displayed its prowess in aerobatics.
Defence minister A.K. Antony hailed the success of the Tejas, which translates into “brilliance”.
“I am excited to see the LCA flying in the Indian skies. This is the most exciting day as far as I am concerned,” an elated defence minister told reporters here.
“For the last 10 years people have been making noise about the project. But LCA and MBT (main battle tank Arjun) have become reality,” he said.
The two projects – LCA and MBT Arjun – have been marked by considerable delays with the latter dragging on for the last 36 years.
“I am delighted that we have seen light at the end of the tunnel. The products will be inducted in the services soon,” Antony added.
Besides the Tejas, the indigenous Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH) and the Saras transport aircraft were also put on display at the event.