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Tejas not suitable for Navy: Sunil Lanba

On November 8, the Ministry of Defence had given clearance to both the naval and air force version of the Tejas – the smallest and lightest multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft of its class.

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The indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas are not suited for the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba said on Friday. This has prompted the Navy to identify an alternative aircraft, he said.

"We have the MiG 29K, which operates from INS Vikramaditya, and will also operate from the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) Vikrant. We were also hoping to operate Tejas from these two aircraft carriers, but unfortunately, the LCA is not able to meet their requirement," he said.

On November 8, the Ministry of Defence had given clearance to both the naval and air force version of the Tejas – the smallest and lightest multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft of its class. It is designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), respectively, for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.

Though the Tejas has been inducted into the Air Force, officials say its full induction is likely to get delayed. "If you look around the world, there are not too many options and we need the carrier-capable version of this aircraft sooner than later. So, I am looking at the next 5-6 years," he said.

Lanba said the Navy is still encouraging the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop the naval LCA.

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