While the Republic Day Parade on January 26 will feature a wide variety of assets of the Indian security forces, including the Rafale, Su-30, P-8I, MiG-29, Apache, LCH (Light Combat Helicopter), ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter), and Mi-17 helicopters, conspicuous in its absence will be India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
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The single-engine, fourth-generation, multi-role light fighter, designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), was involved in an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show in November, killing the pilot. This was the second incident involving the aircraft, with the first occurring in Jaisalmer in Rajasthan in March 2024. The pilot had ejected safely on that occasion.
When asked why the LCA Tejas will not be part of the parade, and whether the recent crash of a Tejas aircraft in November during a demonstration display at the Dubai Air Show was a factor, Defence Secretary R.K. Singh said that some of the best platforms of the Indian forces are being showcased.
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Some platforms have been included while some have not, but there is “no particular reason”, he said, as reported by news agency PTI.
A total of 29 aircraft of the armed forces will participate in various formations in the parade.