Bangalore, Sep 3 (IANS): The trainer version of the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) was flown here Wednesday by the IAF deputy chief, Air Marshal S.B.P. Sinha.

"Having had first hand experience and feel of the aircraft, (he) expressed that the aircraft handles well both on the ground and in the air," a defence ministry statement said.

Air Marshal Sinha was on a two day visit to Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) during which he reviewed various aspects of the Tejas programme.

"The first flight by a senior officer of the rank of Air Marshal from Air HQ was a joyous occasion for all the stake holders of the programme such as ADA, HAL, National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), DGAQA and the IAF whose focused and synergized efforts contributed to the success of the project in large measure," the statement added.

P.S. Subramanyam, Programme Director (Combat Aircraft) and Director ADA said: "This flight of Tejas by a senior IAF commander indicates the high degree of confidence in the indigenous light combat aircraft."

SD GOSWAMI