Historic Flight: Air Force and Army Chiefs Fly Together in Tejas + UPSC?.ToString()?? UPSC?.ToString()+" Current Affairs";

Why in the News?
On February 9, 2025, a historic event unfolded as Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi flew together in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. This marked the first instance of two service chiefs jointly piloting a military jet, underscoring the spirit of jointness and self-reliance in India's defense capabilities. 
Key Takeaways
Historic Collaboration: The sortie took place at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, a day before the commencement of Aero India 2025. Both chiefs, who were course mates at the National Defence Academy in Pune, flew the twin-seater Tejas trainer aircraft, highlighting the synergy between the Indian Army and Air Force. 
Army Chief's Experience: General Dwivedi described the flight as the "best moment" of his life, reflecting the pride in India's indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. 
Do You Know?
Tejas Development: The HAL Tejas is an Indian single-engine, delta wing, multirole combat aircraft designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It made its first flight in 2001 and entered service with the Indian Air Force in 2015. 
Static Points about Light Combat Aircraft Tejas
Design and Features: Tejas is constructed using aluminium-lithium alloys, carbon-fibre composites, and titanium alloys, contributing to its lightweight and agility. It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and a range of 850 km. 
Armament: The aircraft is equipped with a 23mm twin-barrel GSh-23 cannon and can carry a variety of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided munitions, with a maximum payload capacity of 4,000 kg. 
Stealth Capabilities: Tejas incorporates several stealth features, such as composite structures and radar-absorbing materials, reducing its radar cross-section and enhancing its survivability in combat scenarios. 
Conclusion
The joint flight of India's top military leaders in the indigenous Tejas aircraft symbolizes a significant milestone in the nation's defense history. It not only showcases the advanced capabilities of India's homegrown military technology but also emphasizes the collaborative spirit between the armed forces, reinforcing the country's commitment to self-reliance in defense.