India’s naval Tejas achieves carrier milestones
The naval prototype of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) achieved a crucial milestone on 11 January when it undertook the maiden arrested landing aboard the Indian Navy (IN) carrier INS Vikramaditya. Naval test pilot Cmde Jaideep Maolankar was at the controls.
‘With this feat, the indigenously developed niche technologies specific to deck-based fighter operations have been proven, which will now pave the way to develop and manufacture the twin-engine deck-based fighter for the Indian Navy,’ informed an official IN tweet.
The LCA (Navy) Mk 1 is a variant of the Indian Air Force’s Tejas that received final operational clearance
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Australia’s new defence industry strategy targets development, procurement and exports]()
Australia’s new defence industry strategy targets development, procurement and exports
The Australian government is investing in weapons and missile manufacture and shipbuilding as part of a long-term plan that involves restructuring procurement and export systems under its 2026 Defence Industry Development Strategy.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Iran’s attacks on UAE have “accelerated” Edge’s plans, says company]()
Eurosatory 2026: Iran’s attacks on UAE have “accelerated” Edge’s plans, says company
The UAE’s Edge has undergone massive changes since it was formed in 2019, from acquisitions to partnerships, and has now set up a European division in Paris.
-
![US, Canada advance with over-the-horizon radar programmes to close NORAD surveillance gaps]()
US, Canada advance with over-the-horizon radar programmes to close NORAD surveillance gaps
Washington and Ottawa’s Arctic and homeland radar initiatives aim to strengthen early warning against cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons and long-range aerospace threats approaching North America.
-
![The speed of relevance: how companies can navigate the new era of European defence procurement]()
The speed of relevance: how companies can navigate the new era of European defence procurement
European militaries face a rapidly evolving security landscape and defence production must accelerate to meet surging demand for platforms and equipment. Industry needs to adapt to ensure it gets its products into the hands of the end user, Evelyn Rafferty, Senior Director Aerospace and Defence - Europe at Plexus told Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan.
-
![Delays, departures and drama cloud UK defence programmes ahead of absent DIP]()
Delays, departures and drama cloud UK defence programmes ahead of absent DIP
The UK defence secretary’s departure suggests that the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan is unlikely to meet the funding demands of the armed forces, with consequences for procurement and the UK’s standing at a NATO summit weeks away.
