Mysore/Mysuru: The maiden flight of the indigenously developed LCA Tejas MK-2 fighter jet is expected within the next one-and-a-half years, said Dr. Ambalal V. Patel, Scientist and Associate Technology Director (Flight Control Laws) at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Bengaluru.

Delivering a technical talk on ‘Flight Control System: Design and Development for High-Performance Combat Aircraft’ at the S.P. Bhat Auditorium of the Institution of Engineers on JLB Road yesterday, Dr. Patel said India aims to achieve self-reliance in fighter jet technology by 2035.

“Currently, next-generation fighter jets are in the final stages of design. The Central Government has already sanctioned the required funds. These medium-combat aircraft, known as Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), are part of our next leap in aerospace capability. While ADA is the nodal agency for design and development of the LCA Tejas, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has played a major role,” he said. 

“In addition, several other organisations — including Government laboratories, public limited companies, educational institutions, the Indian Air Force and other Government-recognised institutions — are contributing to the development of supporting technologies. The LCA fighters have already completed about 5,000 test flights without any major accidents,” he noted.

Institution of Engineers, Mysuru Chairman H.S. Suresh Babu, Programme Convenor Dr. R. Deepu and others were present.