Bhubaneswar: Padmashree Dr Kota Harinarayan, chief designer of Tejas, India's indigenously developed light combat aircraft (LCA), today averred that the single-engine fighter aircraft recently inducted into the air force will soon replace all variants of the MIG in the near future.
Talking exclusively to OTV, the Berhampur-born scientist, who was on an Odisha visit to attend the ninth foundation day of the Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar (IIT-BBS), said; “Tejas, which is very superior, will replace MIG-21, 23 and all other classes of the MIG aircraft. It is highly manoeuverable and has advanced technology. it is two generations ahead of the MIG-21. Globally, Tejas is considered to be the best technology.”
Tejas can carry different weapons and new weapon integration is easily possible with the light combat aircraft. Open architecture and the possibility of integration of new electronics make the Tejas a very advanced aircraft, he added.
“Tejas is far superior than the aircraft that the neighbouring country has. At present, they are having Mirage which is an old generation aircraft,” he said.
Commenting on the country’s arms capability, Harinarayan said, “The arms capacity, which is less at present, should be expanded by at least 10 times. This will help in arms export as well. I believe capacity will increase in the next two-three years.”
On the prospects of defence related industries in Odisha, Harinarayan said, “Nalco produces the finest aluminium. It can work on Lithium alloy on which I had worked with a Hyderabad-based firm. I would love to work on the project here as well.”
Besides, a lot of expansion in technology is needed in the State, he added.
He said the State government should think of setting up an airport in south Orissa so that the economy in the area will get a boost.