Tejas aircraft deficient in at least 100 technical parameters: Experts

The light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas is deficient in at least 100 technical parameters, said experts associated with the project. They also alleged that the initial operation clearance granted to Tejas two years ago was given despite the aircraft not meeting various crucial technical parameters.

The experts said as the aircraft has not achieved crucial technical parameters, it continues to be flown only by test pilots and its performance parameters too need to be monitored by ground-based stations. They also said the engine of Tejas lacked sufficient power. Though the experts were hopeful that these issues would be resolved by the then end of 2013, still the issues aren't clear how those make the pathway to solve,  they admit complex technicalities pose serious obstacles.

In a press release issued in March, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) admitted the delay in completion of project "Development of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas" and said it was hopeful to achieve Full Operational Clearance (FOC) by December 2014. "The LCA project, which though got delayed initially, is currently progressing on a fast track and is working on aggressive time schedules," it said.

"Productionisation of LCA is already going on. First series production aircraft were ready by the end of 2013, which aren't inducted still in the IAF. Indian Air Force has already placed order for 20 LCA in IOC configuration and another of 20 LCA in FOC configuration," added the release.

The Tejas aircraft is being manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The project 'Development of LCA' was sanctioned in August 1983 and Project Definition Phase (PDP) of LCA was completed in 1988. In 1990, a decision was taken to undertake LCA development in two phases. In the first phase to build 02 Technology Demonstrators (TDs) along with development of critical technologies including Multi Mode Radar (MMR) and in the second phase to build Prototype Vehicle0s, integrate weapons, sensors, and flight testing leading to Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) and Final Operational Clearance (FOC).

France Urges Early Signing of Indian MMRCA Contract

France’s defense minister has told his Indian counterpart that Paris wants to see an early signing of the $11 billion contract to supply India with 126 Dassault Rafales, and that delays could add uncertainty to the program, spilling over into early 2014 elections, according to a diplomat in the French Embassy.

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian met with his counterpart, A.K. Antony, this week and said that early signing of the Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program is important for the future of Dassault and also for defense ties between the two nations.

India bestowed preferred bidder status upon the French fighter jet last year.

Le Drian also discussed with Antony the fate of the long pending co-development of the $6 billion Maitri short-range surface-to-air missile (SRSAM) project. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and MBDA of France propose to develop the SRSAM.

The Maitri missile system will have a range of 10 kilometers and will be capable of moving with mechanized forces. The system would be able to engage aircraft, helicopters, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and all types of airborne targets.

Without naming the Maitri system, the official release of the Indian Defence Ministry said, “The ministers had detailed discussions regarding current and future co-operation in the areas of defense equipment and technology collaboration. They agreed that such cooperation should continue to be progressed to the mutual benefit of both countries, including in high technology areas involving joint research and development and transfer of technology.”

No Indian MoD official would give details of the list of joint development projects discussed between the two defense ministers, but sources said the Maitri missile project was on the top of the agenda.