Core Viewpoint - The Indian Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, a symbol of India's indigenous aerospace industry, has faced significant delays and challenges in its development, leading to questions about its operational readiness and export potential [5][6]. Group 1: Development Timeline and Challenges - The LCA project began in 1983 but has experienced severe delays, with the first technology demonstrator only flying in 2001, nearly 10 years behind schedule [3]. - Initial operational clearance was granted in 2011, but the first batch of aircraft was not delivered to the Indian Air Force until February 2020, indicating a prolonged development cycle of 42 years [3]. - The current fleet consists of approximately 31 single-seat and 6 twin-seat variants, totaling around 37 aircraft, with further improvements still in testing [3]. Group 2: Technical and Performance Issues - The LCA has a low thrust-to-weight ratio, categorizing it as a "weaker" light fighter, and despite claims of 59%-70% indigenous content, it remains heavily reliant on imported critical components such as engines, radars, and missiles [3][5]. - The aircraft has achieved technological breakthroughs in areas like fly-by-wire control and composite materials, but project management issues and performance compromises have led to its reputation as a "perpetual star of tomorrow" [5]. Group 3: Recent Incidents and Impact on Export Plans - The LCA experienced its first crash in March 2024 due to an engine oil pump failure, with the pilot successfully ejecting [6]. - A second crash occurred during a performance at the UAE Airshow on November 21, 2023, which is expected to negatively impact India's ambitious plans for exporting the LCA [6].

Core Points - The Indian Air Force officially retired its last two squadrons of MiG-21 fighter jets, marking the end of the service for the first supersonic jets in India [1] - The MiG-21, developed by the Soviet Union in the 1950s, was one of the most widely used fighter jets globally and was introduced to the Indian Air Force in the 1960s [1] - The Indian government has not announced plans for the retired MiG-21s, but speculation suggests they may be used for public display [1] Group 1 - The farewell flight for the two squadrons, totaling 36 MiG-21 aircraft, took place at an air force base in Chandigarh, attended by the Indian Defense Minister and senior air force officials [1] - The MiG-21 has been criticized for safety issues, earning the nickname "flying coffin," with approximately 400 recorded crashes globally over 60 years, resulting in the deaths of 200 pilots [1] - Despite its flaws, the MiG-21 has been recognized for its historical contributions and has served as a backbone of the Indian Air Force for decades [2] Group 2 - The Indian government recently signed a $7 billion order to procure 97 domestically developed Tejas fighter jets, indicating a push towards indigenous aircraft production [2] - In addition to domestic production, India has also purchased 36 Rafale fighter jets from France and ordered 26 more earlier this year [2] - India is collaborating with a French company to develop fighter jet engines, with plans for future domestic production [2]