Article Posted on : - Dec 29, 2013

NEW DELHI (PTI): Cleared for induction into the Indian Air Force, the indigenously-developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has achieved a significant milestone by completing 500 sorties this year.

"The LCA attained significant milestone on Friday by flying the 500th sortie this year, the highest achieved in a calendar year thus far. The achievement is significant, given that the highest number of sorties attained earlier in a calendar year was less than 300 sorties," a DRDO release said.

The indigenous fighter aircraft programme has achieved this milestone soon after it attained its Initial Operational Clearance.

Congratulating the Tejas team, DRDO chief Avinash Chander said, "The single most important factor behind the achievements is the synergy of teamed efforts of Aeronautical Development Agency, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the IAF."

In 2013, the Tejas achieved several milestones including flight envelope expansion, R73E missile firing with radar guidance, Air to ground weapon tests, wet runway trials and demonstration of Swing Role capability during exercise IRON FIST.