The LCA Tejas Saga: A Flight From Frustration To Fulfillment | In Our Defence, S2, Ep 05

In 2024, India's focus on strengthening its air power centers around the Tejas, its indigenous fighter aircraft. The Defence Ministry's approval for acquiring 97 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A marks a significant step in bolstering the Indian Air Force's capabilities. With just two Tejas squadrons currently in operation, the Air Force faces the challenge of maintaining its strength at 31 squadrons, well below the standard requirement of 42. In a discussion between India Today TV Output’s Senior Executive Editor Shiv Aroor and host Dev Goswami, the implications of this shortfall are explored. Why is the benchmark of 42 squadrons crucial, and what hurdles arise from not meeting this target? What are the reasons behind India's reliance on foreign aircraft? Shiv questions the over-reliance on foreign fighters, and having eight different types of aircraft, labeling it a "zoo" and a "beauty contest" of aircraft. Why is managing eight different aircraft types a challenging nightmare? Listen in to know why Shiv believes that Built-in-India is a fig leaf, why it has not worked for India at all, and what Made-in- India fighters of foreign origin actually mean for the Indian exchequer. Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Watch! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini You can also tune in here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/68JNMdQ... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 00.00-1:28–Introduction 1:28–11:48–The beauty contest of aircraft 11:48– 31:34– Tejas Paathshaala 29:00– 45:16– The Controversial Journey of Tejas 45:16– 51:00—Built-in-India is a fig leaf 51:00– 56: 30—All defence deals are sweeteners to political relatonships. 56:30–1:06:17–Romanticisation of aviation Subscribe to India Today for NEW VIDEOS EVERY DAY and make sure to enable Push Notifications so you'll never miss a new video. All you need to do is PRESS THE BELL ICON next to the Subscribe button! India Today TV is India's leading English News Channel. India Today YouTube channel offers latest news videos on Politics, Business, Cricket, Bollywood, Lifestyle, Auto, Technology, Travel, Entertainment and a lot more. Stay tuned for latest updates and in-depth analysis of news from India and around the world! WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2A... Download App: https://indiatoday.link/wHaj Follow us: Official website: https://www.indiatoday.in/ Twitter:   / indiatoday   Facebook:   / indiatoday