HAL Tejas

Service And Conflict Use

1. Sep 30, 2014

   First series-production flight

   The first series-production Tejas aircraft completed its maiden flight, starting the production-line path toward squadron service.

   Sources: Background to DRDO Developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas

2. Jan 17, 2015

   First aircraft handed to the IAF

   The Defence Minister handed over the first series-production IOC-standard Tejas to the Indian Air Force after upgrade work.

   Sources: Background to DRDO Developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas

3. Jul 1, 2016

   Induction into squadron service

   The first indigenous Tejas aircraft entered Indian Air Force service, marking the type's squadron-level operational debut.

   Sources: Achievements of Ministry of Defence from May, 2014 to March, 2017

4. Feb 20, 2019

   Final operational clearance

   PIB reported final operational clearance for LCA Tejas Mk I, clearing the way for broader fighter-service use.

   Sources: Final Operational Clearance of LCA Tejas MK I for Indian Air Force

5. Jun 30, 2023

   Seven years of service

   The Ministry of Defence marked seven years of Tejas service in the Indian Air Force and highlighted the type's multirole role.

   Sources: LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT TEJAS COMPLETES SEVEN YEARS OF SERVICE IN INDIAN AIR FORCE

6. Mar 12, 2025

   Astra test-fire

   ADA test-fired the indigenous ASTRA BVRAAM from a Tejas LCA AF Mk1 prototype off the Odisha coast.

   Sources: Tejas LCA AF MK1 test-fires Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile

HAL Tejas Images

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Sources