Question map
Which one of the following is an indigenously built light combat aircraft of India?
Explanation
The Tejas is India's indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) [c1, t8]. It was developed to replace the aging MiG-21 fleet and is characterized by its lightweight, multi-role capabilities and delta-wing design [t1, t9]. In contrast, the other options represent different indigenous defense platforms: Akash is a short-range surface-to-air missile system [2], Vikrant (specifically INS Vikrant) is India's first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier [t2, t3], and Arjun is a main battle tank developed by the DRDO [t3, t4]. The Tejas represents a significant milestone in India's 'Make in India' initiative within the defense sector, achieving over 50% indigenous components and establishing India among the elite nations capable of building modern combat jets [c1, t3, t4].
Sources
- [2] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2128746