LCA-Tejas Deployed In Eastern Sector During Exercise Poorvi Akash

The Eastern Air Command (EAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) is conducting its annual command-level exercise, 'Exercise Poorvi Akash' from October 30 to November 5. During this period, the Indian Air Force is fully demonstrating its readiness and capabilities.

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas deployed in eastern region: 

• This year's exercise holds special significance as it marks the first time the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has been deployed in the eastern region of India.
• Exercise Eastern Sky is a comprehensive exercise which showcases the capabilities and readiness of the Eastern Air Command.

Primary Objective of Exercise:

• The primary objective of Exercise Poorvi Akash is to demonstrate the application of air power in all its roles.
• This includes offensive and defensive operations, aerial reconnaissance and quick response to various threats, all being conducted both day and night, highlighting the IAF's ability to operate in a variety of conditions.
• One of the extraordinary features of Exercise Poorvi Akash is the inclusion of joint operations with the Eastern Command (EC) of the Indian Army.

The exercise takes place in the rugged Eastern Region hills: 

• This joint operation is being conducted in the challenging hilly area of the eastern region.
• This aspect of the exercise underlines the synergy between the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army, emphasizing their joint preparedness to deal with potential threats in difficult geographical areas.
• The deployment of LCA Tejas is a significant highlight of the eastern sky. This is a historic moment as the domestic fighter aircraft Tejas is participating in an exercise in the eastern region for the first time.
• Tejas is a light combat aircraft known for its agility and advanced avionics. Its participation not only showcases the capabilities of this indigenous combat aircraft but also underlines the Indian Air Force's commitment to strengthening its fleet with indigenous technology.

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas:

• The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program was started by the Government of India in the year 1984. Subsequently, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) was established by the government to manage the LCA programme.
• The LCA has been developed to replace the aging MiG-21 fighter aircraft in the Indian Air Force.

• Design of LCA:

  • The LCA has been designed by 'ADA' operating under the 'Department of Defense Research and Development'.

• Construction of LCA:

  • The LCA is built by the public sector company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

• Features of LCA:

  • LCA Tejas is the lightest, smallest and tailless multi-role supersonic combat aircraft among its counterparts.
  • LCA Tejas has been developed to carry a range of air-to-air, air-to-surface, precision-guided, weapons.
  • Tejas is capable of refueling in the sky during the journey.
  • Its maximum payload capacity is 4000 kg.
  • It can achieve a maximum speed of 1.8 Mach.
  • The range of this aircraft is 3,000 km.