India to field indigenous fighter in multi-nation air combat exercise abroad for the first time

Vishal Thapar

India is fielding the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas for the first time in a multi-nation air combat exercise overseas.  

A flight of five Tejas fighters will fly to the United Kingdom to participate in Exercise Cobra Warrior 22 at Waddington from March 6 to 27. Fighter aircraft of the UK and other leading air forces will participate in the exercise. 

This follows the recent showcasing of the Tejas in leading air shows of the world, including the ones at Dubai and Singapore, reflecting India’s increasing confidence in the maturity of the indigenous fighter aircraft. The Tejas is also a strong contender for the Malaysian contract for 18 fighter aircraft. 

“This will be a platform for LCA Tejas to demonstrate its manoeuvrability and operational capability,” IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Ashish Moghe stated in an official communique. 

“The exercise is aimed at providing operational exposure and share best practices amongst the participating Air Forces, thereby enhancing combat capability and forging bonds of friendship,” the statement added. 

IAF C-17 aircraft will provide the necessary transport support for induction and de-induction. 

Vishal Thapar

BW Reporters Group Editorial Head for BW’s Defence, Security & Police