NEW DELHI, May 28 (NNN-UNI) – Indian Air Force (IAF), on Wednesday, inducted second squadron of Tejas Mk 1 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), officials said.
The ceremony was held at Sulur Air Force Station (AFS), in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
“IAF today inducted Tejas Mk-1 FOC aircraft into the recently resurrected number 18 squadron, the “Flying Bullets” at Air Force Station Sulur, marking yet another important step towards enhancing the operational capability of the air force,” a statement issued by federal ministry of defence said.
“The squadron is the first in the IAF to induct this platform. Tejas Mk-1 FOC is a single-engine, lightweight, highly agile, all-weather multi-role fighter aircraft, capable of air-to-air refuelling thus making it a truly versatile platform.”
The squadron was operationalised by Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal, R K S Bhadauria.
While addressing the personnel, Bhadauria congratulated them and lauded the efforts put in by southern Air Command and air force station Sulur, towards the induction of the new airborne platform.
The 18 squadron has become the second to have the home-made Tejas fighter jet, after the 45 squadron.– NNN-UNI
