India’s first designed, developed and productionised fourth-generation light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas has launched an infrared seeking air-to-air missile, which hit the target in a direct hit with precision and destroyed the target.

The test, which takes the aircraft closer to its induction in the Indian Air Force (IAF), was conducted off the coast of Goa in the Arabian Sea.

For its operational clearance, Tejas underwent weapon release flight tests, while Gp Capt Suneet Krishna, who flew the aircraft, commanded the infrared seeker missile through the fire control radar of the aircraft to lock it onto the target.

"The test takes the aircraft closer to its induction in the Indian Air Force."

The target, which was towed by a pilotless target aircraft Lakshya, was launched by a ship from the Indian Navy off the west coast of India.

The team responsible for the successful launch include members from the National Flight Test Centre (NFTC), Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Hindustan Aeronautics, ADE (DRDO), CEMILAC, DGAQA and the Indian Navy worked together.

ADA director and program director combat vehicles PS Subramanyam and Flight Test project director and Air Cmde KA Muthana supervised the operations from the National Flight Test Centre (NFTC).

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData

Tick here to opt out of curated industry news, reports, and event updates from Airforce Technology.

Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

India Defence Minister scientific advisor and Department of Defence R&D Secretary Avinash Chander said "with this missile launch from Tejas and successfully hitting the target in the first shot, we have demonstrated the total weapon system capability of LCA Tejas".

With the help of Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL as the production partner, DRDO has developed the combat aircraft Tejas.