The Age Of The Tejas Begins Today

A lot of things will be said today. There will be a lot of questions. Some justified and necessary. Some tired and redundant. No much can change the fact, however, that today is a historic day in Indian aviation. For a country continues to be the world’s largest importer of military hardware, the squadron entry of an indigenous fighter jet is a momentous day. Even shorn of the legitimate doubts that may remain in several minds over the aircraft, there is no room any longer to postpone the fact that the Tejas is here. And it’s real. It was developed and built by Indian scientists and engineers. There will be foreseeable turbulence over the next two-three years as the Indian Air Force gets its first true chance to stretch the jet’s wings and see what it’s truly capable of. The IAF itself is in the process of a gradual mindset change, one more powerful than many of us can fathom. The Tejas has suffered the short-end of not just technology denial and a combination of galling circumstances, but has also been regarded more harshly than similar aviation programmes abroad. While the programme has certainly had to cut some losses, the end result is a confident little jet that appears ready to embrace what’s thrown at it. Its many years in development have certainly meant that it won’t be the finest fighter on the flightline. What it does promise is that it will evolve to be a dependable multi-role jet that will be capable of being the tactical fighter backbone that the Indian Air Force will lose with its steadily retired MiG-21 fleet. Those who know how the IAF regards the MiG-21 will know those aren’t small shoes to fill.

Patriotism is a complicated and oft abused word these days, used often to conceal flaws or upturn the paint-bucket of emotion. Questions of the Tejas and its abilities are not unpatriotic. That the programme has weathered tough questions and sought to improve itself as a result of them should be testament to the aircraft and its creators. This is not for a moment to say that those who’ve brought the Tejas to where it is are beyond reproach, criticism or questions. They are, as is anyone entrusted with spending public money with a promise, especially when that promise is pointed directly at national security. There’s no bad day to ask questions. Don’t listen to those who throw sentiment at you today, asking that the ceremonials be respected. Ask questions by all means.

But let’s recognise that today is a truly momentous day. An Indian-designed and built warplane enters squadron service. This will be the first time most of us have seen that in our lifetimes.