Tejas soon to be inducted into IAF

BANGALORE: In a major milestone, light combat aircraft Tejas is all set to attain Initial Operational Clearance on January 10, taking its last step before induction into the Air Force.

"This is the first time that an indigenously designed and developed military fighter aircraft would be certified for Air Force operations," a Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) release said here.

Defence Minister A K Antony will hand over a formal Release to Service Certificate of Tejas aircraft to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P V Naik at a function here on January 10.

The occasion marks a very important achievement in the design and development of Tejas in particular and military aviation in the country on the whole as Tejas aircraft will be available for use by Air Force Pilots.

There is a likelihood of delivering altogether seven squadrons of Tejas aircraft to the IAF, the release said.