LCA Tejas deployed in the western front in an opertional role

LCA Tejas

In a significant achievement for the indigenous fighter aircraft programme, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed the home-grown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on the western front along the Pakistan border given the tensions with China on the Ladakh front.

"The LCA Tejas was deployed by the Indian Air Force on the western front close to the Pakistan border to take care of any possible action by the adversary there," government sources told.

The first LCA Tejas squadron, 45 Squadron (Flying Daggers) based out of Sulur under the Southern Air Command, was deployed in an operational role there, the sources said.

The indigenous Tejas aircraft had been praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech where he had stated that the deal to buy the LCA Mark1A version was expected to be completed soon.

While the first squadron of the planes is of the Initial Operational Clearance version, the second 18 Squadron `Flying Bullets` is of the Final Operational Clearance version and was operationalized by the IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria at the Sulur airbase on May 27.

The Indian Air Force and the Defence Ministry are expected to finalise the deal for the 83 Mark1A aircraft by the end of this year.

Given the Chinese aggression on the borders, the IAF had deployed its assets all along the borders with both China and Pakistan. The forward airbases of the force have been equipped to take care of situations along the western and northern fronts and have seen extensive flying operations in the recent past, including both daytime and night operations. 

Indian Army Day: Date and significance

Indian Army Day is celebrated on 15th of January every year

Army men are the real heroes, as Capt. Vikram Batra, PVC once said, "Either I will come back after hoisting the tricolour, or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back for sure." Nothing can ever match with the sacrifice the hero of our country make to keep us happy.

When we enjoy our days and holidays with our friends and family, the Indian Army stand tall in the harshest of conditions. Whether it be the disregard freezing cold temperatures or scorching heat, they always remain brave, awake just to keep us secure and safe.

Hence, to honour our country's soldiers Army Day is celebrated. Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year, to commemorate the day when (then) Lieutenant General KM Cariappa took over General Sir Francis Butcher as Commander-in-Chief of India on January 1949. This year, the Indian Army will celebrate 72nd Army Day.

Significance

The Army Day is celebrated every year at all Army Command headquarters to honour our country's soldiers who set the greatest example of selfless service and brotherhood, and above all, love for the country. The Indian Army is one of the most powerful militaries of the world, competing with superpowers like the US, Russia and China.

Motto

The motto of the Indian Army is "Service Before Self" and its mission is to ensure national security and national unity, defend the nation from external aggression and internal threats, and maintain peace and security within its borders.

Salute to the brave soldiers, who risk and sacrifice their lives to protect us. Even the then Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1965 had given the slogan i.e. "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan".