In a significant display of confidence in India's indigenous capabilities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the skies on Friday for a sortie on the Tejas aircraft. The experience left him enriched and optimistic about the nation's potential in the field of self-reliance.
Sharing his exhilarating experience on the Tejas via the social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi stated, "Successfully completed a sortie on the Tejas. The experience was incredibly enriching, significantly bolstering my confidence in our country's indigenous capabilities, and leaving me with a renewed sense of pride and optimism about our national potential."
"Flying in Tejas today, I can say with immense pride that due to our hard work and dedication, we are no less than anyone in the world in the field of self-reliance. Heartiest congratulations to the Indian Air Force, DRDO, and HAL as well as all Indians," he added.
Earlier in the day, Modi arrived in the city and visited the Defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to review the ongoing work at its manufacturing facilities. This move aligns with the Prime Minister's consistent push for the indigenous production of defence products, emphasizing the government's efforts to boost manufacturing and exports in the sector.
India's defence exports have indeed witnessed a notable surge, reaching an all-time high of Rs 15,920 crore in the fiscal year 2022-2023, as highlighted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in April. This achievement underscores the success of the government's initiatives to promote self-reliance and strengthen the country's defence capabilities.
The Tejas, a light combat aircraft, has attracted attention on the global stage, with several countries expressing interest in acquiring it. During the Prime Minister's recent state visit to the United States, a significant development took place as US defence giant GE Aerospace signed an agreement with HAL to jointly produce engines for the Mk-II-Tejas.
The collaboration with international partners further positions India as a key player in the global defence arena, showcasing the success of the 'Make in India' initiative in the defence manufacturing sector.
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