Rajnath Singh scripts history by becoming the first Raksha Mantri to fly ‘Tejas’

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During his day-long visit on September 19 to Bengaluru, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited Centre for Airborne Systems, DRDO, where he was shown several indigenous products of various DRDO labs. The products included AEW&C, Radar Systems, EW Systems, UAV’s, Nirbhay Missile, Robotic vehicles, Indigenous Aircraft Engine, Small Turbofan Engine, Bio Medical Systems, Microwave transmitters for missiles, semiconductor components and several other products.

Earlier in the day, Shri Rajnath Singh scripted history by becoming the first Raksha Mantri to fly the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’. He undertook 30-minute sortie in the indigenously-built multi-role fighter aircraft with Air Vice Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Airport.

Addressing the DRDO fraternity at Centre for Airborne Systems, Raksha Mantri said it was a very proud and memorable moment for him to fly the indigenously developed fighter aircraft. He appreciated the constant effort put forth by the scientists and technicians in the development of indigenous defence systems. Shri Rajnath Singh stated that continuing success of ASTRA missile, LCA Tejas and successful utilization of NETRA in Balakot has re-imposed the confidence of country in DRDO. He declared that with continuing efforts, country should aim at meeting the requirement of our Defense Services through indigenous efforts.

Eminent dignitaries such as Chairman HAL, Director General (ECS), Director General (Aeronautics Systems), Director General (PC& SI), Director General (Med&Cos) financial advisers, DRDO Scientists, Service Officers from armed forces, HAL and other agencies were present on the occasion.