Dubbing country’s indigenously developed multi-role combat aircraft, Tejas, as one of the biggest achievement of defence research organisations, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said it has immense export potential.
Singh, who flew in the single engine jet fighter for 29 minutes from HAL airport in the city, said, ‘This was most memorable experience for me. Our scientists have proved that they were second to none in terms of mastering the knowledge, technology, skill and capability.’
Speaking to mediapersons, immediately after the sortie on Tejas, he said he was proud to become the first defence minister of the country to have this feat. ‘It was a thrilling experience and I am proud of the Scientists and Engineers of the HAL and DRDO and also Indian Armed forces’.
The Defence Minister, who was in the air with the Tejas for 29 minutes, said that ‘Tejas has an export potential, mainly from South-western Asian countries, and we look forward to exploit it.’
Maintaining that his sortie with the Tejas was the defining moment in his life, he said that ‘I had chosen to fly Tejas to have the first-hand knowledge over our Pilots who would undergo enduring moments in the aircraft during the sorties.’
Describing his journey in the aircraft as ‘smooth and comfortable’, the Defence Minister said that ‘We have shown to the world about our capability.’ Replying to questions, Singh said, ‘The Union government will extend all its support to our Defence agencies including HAL and DRDO.’
Stating that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give utmost importance to safeguard the interests of the nation, he said that ‘Country is fully secured under the leadership of Narendra Modi.’ (UNI)
