Government planning to export Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, to take part in Bahrain Airshow

NEW DELHI: India's Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will take part in Bahrain International Airshow this month to explore export potential in what will be the first time the indigenously developed plane will fly outside the Indian air space.

Besides the fighter and naval version of Tejas, India will also showcase state-of-the-art airborne platforms and associated sensors and communication systems designed and developed by DRDO.

During the Bahrain International Airshow, being held at Sakhir Airbase, Bahrain from January 21-23, DRDO along with some of its production partners is displaying India's strength in advanced defence technology areas, with the aim of exploring the potential of exporting these advanced systems to friendly countries in the region, an official statement said.

The show will witness flying demonstration of the 'Tejas', the 'Four plus' generation and highly cost effective fighter aircraft, it added.

The Indian Air Force plans to acquire 120 Tejas aircraft, with 100 of them having major modifications to its strike, radar, and mid air refuelling capabilities.

Though the DRDO has developed a naval version of the Tejas, the Navy is seeking a much stronger engine besides other changes.

It would be interesting to see which countries will evince interest in the light combat aircraft since Pakistan has already put out its aircraft JF 17, built in collaboration with China, in the open market.

It is speculated that an Asian country has evinced interest in the Pakistani aircraft.

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India had in May this year pointed out 53 significant shortfalls in Tejas Mark-I version that had reduced its operational capabilities and survivability.

Meanwhile, Team Sarang of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be showcasing the nation's prowess by flying ALH Dhruv helicopter, designed and developed by HAL during the Bahrain Airshow.

The other indoor exhibits (scale down models) of DRDO for the Bahrain International Airshow 2016 include, anti tank guided missile Nag, Akash surface to air missile system, compact hull mounted sonar, air borne early warning and control system among others.