Defence

In Pictures: India's LCA Tejas' Display Dazzles The Skies Above Dubai Leaving Audience Stunned

Ujjwal Shrotryia

Nov 15, 2023, 06:26 PM | Updated 07:25 PM IST


Tejas Mk-1 jet taking off. (Image via X/@IAF_MCC)
Tejas Mk-1 jet taking off. (Image via X/@IAF_MCC)

A contingent of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Tejas fighter jets and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv are participating in the ongoing Dubai Air Show (13 to 17 November).

Both the Tejas and the Sarang helicopter display team, operating ALH Dhruv, are participating in the static and aerial display at the air show.

During the aerial display, Tejas showcased some dazzling maneuvers, stunning the audience attending the air show.

Tejas Mk-1 jet with water vapors on wings and wing tips. (Pic via X @officialTatya_1)
Tejas Mk-1 jet with water vapors on wings and wing tips. (Pic via X @officialTatya_1)

At the static display, Tejas was seen alongside the UAE state-owned Edge Group's 'Al-Tariq' family of long-range precision-guided munitions (PGMs).

The Al Tariq family of modular, all-weather, day/night LR-PGMs is designed to fit onto the Mark 80 series and the Indian-designed high-speed low-drag series of aerial munitions.

Tejas with Al-Tariq PGM on display. (Image via X/@_edgegroup)
Tejas with Al-Tariq PGM on display. (Image via X/@_edgegroup)

Yesterday, (14 November), Edge Group announced the completion of the feasibility study for the integration of Al Tariq PGMs onto Tejas jets.

The IAF operates more than 32 Tejas Mk-1 fighter jets in two squadrons. In 2021, the IAF ordered 83 upgraded Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets, worth Rs 45,000 crore.

IAF contingent with three Tejas Mk-1 jets and C-17 Globemaster-III transport jet in the background at the Dubai Air Show. (Image via X @IAF_MCC)
IAF contingent with three Tejas Mk-1 jets and C-17 Globemaster-III transport jet in the background at the Dubai Air Show. (Image via X @IAF_MCC)

Impressed by the performance of the in-service Tejas Mk-1 jet, the IAF chief stated last month that the IAF is looking to order an additional 97 Tejas Mk-1A jets, bringing the total number of orders to 200 jets.

Apart from Tejas, the Sarang display team operating the ALH Dhruv helicopter also delivered an incredible performance.

The three services and the Coast Guard combined operate more than 330 ALH Dhruv and its variants.

Sarang display team using ALH Dhruv helicopter flying in formation over airspace in Dubai. (Image via X@IAF_MCC)
Sarang display team using ALH Dhruv helicopter flying in formation over airspace in Dubai. (Image via X@IAF_MCC)

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)-made ALH is critical for supporting operations in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, as it is the only helicopter in the Indian inventory that can operate satisfactorily in areas above 18,000 feet, apart from the vintage Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.

Pakistan's China-made JF-17 block-III fighter jets on display at Dubai Air Show. (Pic via X @officialTatya_1)
Pakistan's China-made JF-17 block-III fighter jets on display at Dubai Air Show. (Pic via X @officialTatya_1)

Pakistan's China-made JF-17 will also participate in the air show. This will be a rare opportunity where both Tejas and JF-17 will be on display at the same time.

Also Read: Dubai Air Show: India's LCA Tejas, Equipped With UAE-Made Al-Tariq PGM, Sparks Speculation On Exports

Staff Writer at Swarajya. Writes on Indian Military and Defence.


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