PM GIVES THE NAME `TEJAS' TO LCA
The Light Combat
Aircraft was today christened `Tejas’ by the Prime Minister Shri
Atal Bihari Vajpayee at a ceremony held at Bangalore. The aircraft
has been designed by Aeronautical Development Agency, Hindustan
Aeronautics Limited, National Aerospace Laboratories, other laboratories
of the Defence Research and Development Organisation and associated
industrial units.
The function was
also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Shri Lal Krishna Advani,
Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes, Governor of Karnataka
and Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri SM Krishna. Following is
the text of the speech of the Prime Minister on the occasion.
"Honourable Governor, Uppradhan
Mantriji, Raksha Mantriji, Chief Minister, Shri S. M. Krishna,
My other colleagues in the Council of Ministers, Representatives
of the Armed Forces, Scientists, engineers and other friends,
It is a great
pleasure for me to be in Bangalore. People tell me that I come
here more often than I visit other cities. This may be true. I
have always found in this city a unique blend of the many splendours
of our country. Nature has been kind to it. It also has the sophistication
of a cosmopolitan city. It is home to many spiritual traditions,
a cultural diversity and a scientific temper.
It is the last
characteristic – the scientific temper – which brings me here
today. A few decades ago, Bangalore was already acknowledged as
the cradle of aeronautics development in India. It went on to
become the Space capital of the country. It then claimed the title
of India’s Silicon Valley. The flights we have seen today of the
Advanced Light Helicopter, the Intermediate Jet Trainer, and the
Light Combat Aircraft have demonstrated that the scientific establishments
of this city retain their original strengths in aircraft design
and development.
We all know that
the LCA has taken a long time from the drawing board to its first
flight two years ago. Sceptics have written off the project many
times over. The doubters thought it made better sense to import
a similar aircraft, even though under existing technology denial
regimes we would have to settle for less sophisticated models.
Today, we can say
that the delay was worth the waiting. Our scientists and engineers
had to re-invent the wheel in many areas, but they have designed,
tested and produced a world-class machine, which our Air Force
can fly with pride and confidence.
The Light Combat
Aircraft, which flew today, have American engines. Soon our own
Kaveri engines will power these aircraft, which would then be
75 to 80 per cent indigenous. The nation salutes the dedicated
teams of the Aeronautical Development Agency, Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited, National Aerospace Laboratories, other laboratories of
the Defence Research and Development Organization and associated
industrial units. We express our warm appreciation to them for
their motivation, innovation and dedication.
They have more mountains
to climb. The ongoing projects for DHRUV – the Advanced Light
Helicopter, SARAS – the light Transport Aircraft, and HANSA –
the two-seater trainer require similar commitment, to meet the
urgent requirement of the Armed Forces. A naval version of the
LCA has to be developed to respond to the Indian Navy’s requirement
of carrier based operations. We have to look even further ahead
and develop technologies for future generations of aircraft.
Even in this
era of globalization where free movement of goods, technologies
and services has become a recurring mantra, our defence modernization
programme continues to strive for maximum technological autonomy.
India has adopted a most responsible policy on missile, nuclear
and dual use technologies, taking the utmost care to avoid their
proliferation. It is as much of concern to us as it is to any
other country that such technologies should not fall into wrong
hands – whether they are of state actors or non-state actors.
In spite of this we have continued to face technology denial regimes,
which not only try to impede our weapons development programmes,
but also affect some of our developmental programmes.
Our scientists and
technologists have responded splendidly to this challenge and
developed world-class technologies of indigenous design. Our cutting
edge skills in information technology have added further strength
to this process.
The government
will continue to support this indigenous development. We shall
follow a vigorous policy of aviation growth in both the military
and civilian sectors. At the same time, we welcome collaboration
with international partners in design, development and co-production.
A shining example is our co-development with a Russian company
of the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile. I am sure that other
potential international partners will eventually wake up to the
tremendous commercial potential of such joint collaborations with
India not only for markets in our country, but also in third countries.
The Light Combat
Aircraft, which you have demonstrated to us should now be inducted
into Indian Air Force squadrons. We need to make the necessary
investments for commercial production of the LCA. We should also
explore its export potential.
I am confident that
this world-class fighting machine will make a glorious contribution
to the nation’s defence. I am happy to give to it the name "Tejas".
May it bring glory to our aerospace industry.
Thank you."
