Indian PM flies in Tejas fighter jet

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history today by flying in the Tejas fighter aircraft, marking the first time a sitting prime minister has flown in the indigenously-built light combat aircraft (LCA), The Economic Times reported.

Following the sortie, Modi tweeted, "Successfully completed a sortie on the Tejas. The experience was incredibly enriching, significantly bolstering my confidence in our country's indigenous capabilities, leaving me with a renewed sense of pride and optimism about our national potential."

The prime minister also shared pictures of him with the Tejas. He was wearing a G suit, aviator glasses and a helmet.

In another tweet, Modi added: "Flying in Tejas today, I can say with immense pride that due to our hard work and dedication, we are no less than anyone in the world in the field of self-reliance. Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Air Force, DRDO and HAL as well as all Indians."

Tejas, a light combat aircraft, has garnered international interest, with GE Aerospace and HAL jointly producing engines for the Mk-II-Tejas following a pact during the prime minister's US visit.

The Indian Air Force recently issued a tender to HAL for the acquisition of 12 advanced Su-30MKI fighter jets. In 2019, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also flew in Tejas, marking the first instance of a defence minister doing so.