India’s Tejas Jet crashes for first time; pilot ejected safely
A made-in-India fighter jet, the Tejas, crashed in Rajasthan, marking its first incident since joining the Indian Air Force nearly 8 years ago. The pilot was unharmed, ejecting safely.
India is aiming to boost its local defense production to reduce its heavy reliance on importing military equipment. The Tejas, which means “flame” in Sanskrit, was added to the air force in 2016 to update India’s old military fleet, Reuters reported.
This crash is a setback to the Tejas’ previously unblemished safety record, which had been clear since its initial test flight over 20 years ago. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ambitious plans to increase defense exports significantly by 2025, with efforts including the Tejas jet’s promotion abroad.
The Indian government has committed $6 billion for 83 more Tejas jets, despite the aircraft facing various technical challenges and even being rejected by the Indian Navy for being too heavy.
Beyond the realm of defense, India’s ambitions stretch into space, aiming to become a key player in the global satellite market. The country has successfully launched satellites for a range of purposes, from telecommunications to weather monitoring, showcasing its growing capabilities in space technology.
India’s space agency, ISRO, has gained international acclaim for its cost-effective and successful missions, including sending a spacecraft to Mars and planning manned missions.
The ambition to leverage satellite technology for national development and global services underscores India’s strategic move towards becoming a leading space-faring nation, further highlighting its technological advancements and aspirations on the global stage.
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