Fighter jet Tejas refuelled mid air for 1st time

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has achieved a significant milestone in the development of India’s indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft by successfully conducting its first mid-air refuelling trial using an IL-78 MKI tanker.

The trial, conducted on Wednesday, is an important step towards expanding the operational capabilities of the Tejas MK-1. Mid-air refuelling will allow the fighter to remain airborne for longer periods, extend its operational range and potentially carry out missions with greater flexibility.

The IAF said the successful trials mark a major advancement for the indigenous fighter. Air-to-air refuelling is also among the key requirements for the Light Combat Aircraft to move towards final operational clearance.

For the exercise, the IL-78 MKI tanker took off from its base in Agra, while the Tejas fighter was launched from Gwalior. The specially modified Tejas conducted a series of test profiles, including a ‘Dry Contact’, in which the fighter approached and established contact with the tanker without actually transferring fuel.

A second Tejas aircraft flew alongside the formation to closely monitor and observe the exercise, adding another layer of assessment to the test.

The IAF said all flight parameters of the Tejas were transmitted in real time to a ground control unit established at Gwalior airbase. Scientists from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) continuously monitored the aircraft’s technical performance and the various parameters associated with the mission.

The IAF added that extensive ground trials had been conducted before the flight test under the supervision of ADA scientists, covering a range of possible operating conditions.

The successful demonstration of aerial refuelling is particularly important for Tejas as India seeks to strengthen its indigenous fighter aircraft programme and reduce dependence on foreign platforms. Once fully integrated and operationalised, the capability can significantly improve the fighter’s reach and endurance during demanding missions.