India's indigenous LCA Tejas fighter jets have landed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to take part in their first-ever air exercise outside India. An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent comprising of 110 Air Warriors has arrived at Al Dahfra airbase of UAE for participating in 'Exercise Desert Flag VIII'.

In terms of aircraft, the Indian Air Force is represented by five 'Tejas' Light Combat aircraft and two C-17 Globemaster III strategic heavy-lifters. Exercise Desert Flag VIII will provide Air Forces from across the participating countries to be a part of diverse fighter jet engagements and learn from the best practices of each other. 

The exercise is scheduled from February 27 to March 17.

Exercise Desert Flag is a multilateral air exercise in which air forces from the UAE, France, Kuwait, Australia, the UK, Bahrain, Morocco, Spain, the Republic of Korea, and the US would be participating.

“This is the first occasion when the LCA Tejas shall participate in an international flying exercise outside India. The aim of the exercise is to participate in diverse fighter engagements and learn from the best practices of various air forces,” the IAF said in a statement.

India's Tejas Aircraft is indigenously designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a government-run aerospace and defence firm. Tejas is the world's lightest fighter aircraft and was recently showcased in a big manner at the largest defence-aerospace show in Asia- Aero India. The Tejasaircraft enthralled the audience by performing aerobatic manoeuvres and flying in formations. The Indian Air Force has two operational squadrons of Tejas (a little over 30 aircraft), based at Air Force Station Sulur in Tamil Nadu.

According to the Indian Government, a handful of foreign nations had expressed interest in purchasing the Tejas aircraft from India. At the recently-concluded Aero India, a huge emphasis was laid by the Indian Government on showcasing the indigenous Tejas aircraft and the Dhruv-series of Advanced Light Helicopters, for sale to friendly-foreign nations. While the Tejas is of indigenous design, several crucial components such as its radar, engine, ejection seat etc. are of foreign origin. 
 

Image source: Wion