ADA and IAF sign MoU for Tejas weapons integration

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 22-02-2024

ADA and IAF sign MoU for Tejas weapons integration

Defence 4 min read

Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has signed an MoU with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the purpose of integration of future weapons and sensors for the Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas'.

Why the need for MoU?

In the current war scenario, there is a constant need to modernize the aircraft's weapons and sensor suites.
In this direction, Aeronautical Development Institute has started technology transfer for integration of weapons and sensors in the Software Development Institute.
This will help the Indian Air Force in many ways to increase the operational capability of Tejas-Light Combat Aircraft. Mainly among these:
- Sensor Independently
- Weapons Integration
- Facility to Obtain Flight Test.
The ADA has successfully developed the Tejas with over 10,000 shorting free sorties to its credit.
The Air Force has already formed two squadrons of this fighter aircraft and two-seater aircraft are also being inducted.

About Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA):

ADA is a premier organization under the administrative control of the DRDO. ADA has the mandate to design and develop the Tejas-Light Combat Aircraft and its equipment.
ADA was established in 1984 to oversee the manufacturing of Light Combat Aircraft in India.
ADA comes under the Ministry of Defense of the Government of India and is headquartered in Bangalore.

About Light Combat Aircraft (LCA):

The LCA program began in 1984 when the Government of India established ADA to oversee it.
The LCA was developed to carry a range of air-to-air, air-to-surface, precision guided weapons.
LCA is equipped with mid-air refueling capability.

About Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’:

It is an 'Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft', which has been jointly developed by 'Aircraft Development Agency' and 'Hindustan Aeronautics Limited'.
It is the smallest and lightest single-engine multi-role tactical combat aircraft.
Tejas has been designed with the aim of reducing its dependence on Russia's MiG-21 fighter aircraft. Also, it has been prepared indigenously with the aim of moving towards being self-reliant in the field of national security.

Main versions of Tejas:

The Tejas Trainer is a two-seater operational conversion trainer designed for training Air Force pilots.
The LCA Navy is a carrier-capable aircraft, available in both twin-seat and single-seat configurations, designed for the Indian Navy.

About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is a state-owned Indian space and defence company. The headquarters of HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) is situated in Bangalore.
It was founded in Bangalore on December 23, 1940 by Walchand Hirachand as Hindustan Aircraft Limited.
During the Second World War, the government purchased one-third stake in the company in March 1941. After independence, in January 1951, Hindustan Aircraft Limited was taken under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.