New Delhi, 04 January (H.S.): Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Indian Air Force, on Sunday renewed his emphatic call for timely delivery of indigenous weapons systems during his inaugural address at the two-day National Seminar 'Aeronautics 2047' organised by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) at the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Bengaluru.

Congratulating ADA on the 25th anniversary of LCA Tejas' first flight, the Air Chief stressed maintaining operational readiness amid rapidly evolving geopolitical challenges.

DRDO Chief Champions Import Substitution

DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat underscored developing indigenous technologies to reduce import dependency, aligning with the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. The seminar explores cutting-edge aerospace domains including next-generation aircraft manufacturing, digital manufacturing, aerodynamics, propulsion technology, flight testing techniques, digital twin technology, certification challenges, flight control systems, avionics, fighter aircraft maintenance, and aircraft design.

Sessions feature LCA Tejas' journey from sketch to squadron—showcasing 5,600+ successful flight tests involving over 100 design centres across government labs, academia, and industry.

Key innovations include carbon composites, lightweight materials, fly-by-wire flight controls, digital utility management systems, and glass cockpits, elevating Tejas to fourth-generation fighter standards.

Tejas Mark-1A: IAF's Force Multiplier

The LCA Tejas Mark-1A, an advanced indigenous fighter, promises to fulfil Indian Air Force operational requirements as a potent platform. The ongoing Tejas Mark-2 naval variant development further expands capabilities. Eminent speakers from the Tejas programme will deliver technical discussions throughout.

A major exhibition showcases PSUs, DPSUs, industries, and MSMEs displaying airborne systems designed and developed entirely in India, reinforcing self-reliance in defence aerospace and positioning 'Aeronautics 2047' as a blueprint for India's aerial supremacy by mid-century.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar