IAF Marks 25 Years of Tejas LCA’s First Flight, Celebrates India’s Self-Reliance in Fighter Aviation

New Delhi, Jan 2025 : The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sunday commemorated the 25th anniversary of the historic first flight of the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), a landmark achievement in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence aviation.

Recalling the milestone, the IAF highlighted the collective efforts that transformed the Tejas programme from an ambitious vision into a frontline fighter aircraft. “On the 25th anniversary of Tejas LCA’s historic first flight, #IAF reflects on enduring partnership in building this fighter. Congratulations to ADA’s innovative scientists, HAL’s skilled engineers, brave IAF & IN test pilots/engineers, and all IAF personnel who’ve championed self-reliance. Sky is the limit!” the IAF said in a post on social media.

The Tejas LCA first took to the skies on January 4, 2001, when Wing Commander Rajiv Kothiyal piloted the Technology Demonstrator-1 (TD-1) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s airport in Bengaluru. The successful sortie marked the beginning of the aircraft’s flight testing phase and laid the foundation for its eventual induction into the Indian Air Force.

The Light Combat Aircraft programme was launched by the government in 1983 with the objective of developing a modern, lightweight fighter to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet. Despite numerous technological and developmental challenges, the programme evolved steadily, culminating in the operational induction of Tejas and the development of more advanced variants, including the Tejas Mk1A.

In a major boost to the programme, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) secured a significant order in late 2025 for 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighters, valued at over Rs 62,370 crore. This order adds to the earlier contract for 83 aircraft and underscores the IAF’s growing confidence in the indigenous fighter.

The Tejas programme has also marked important milestones in indigenisation and private sector participation. In May 2025, the first centre fuselage assembly for the Tejas Mk1A was handed over to HAL by Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies. The event, attended by senior defence officials, marked the first time a major sub-assembly for the LCA was manufactured by a private Indian company.

Operational capability has also expanded through successful weapons and systems integration. In March 2025, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) conducted a successful test-launch of the indigenous ASTRA Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile from an LCA AF Mk1 prototype off the Odisha coast. The missile achieved a direct hit on a flying target, validating its performance. Designed by DRDO, ASTRA has a strike range exceeding 100 km and is already inducted into the IAF.

In the same month, DRDO’s Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL) successfully carried out high-altitude trials of the Indigenous On-Board Oxygen Generating System-based Integrated Life Support System for the Tejas. Tested up to 50,000 feet and during high-G manoeuvres, the system met stringent aeromedical standards, further enhancing the aircraft’s operational readiness.

As the Tejas completes 25 years since its maiden flight, it stands as a symbol of India’s growing technological maturity and commitment to indigenous defence capability.