Originally known as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)—a designation which continues in popular usage—the aircraft was officially named "Tejas"[5] by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 4 May 2003.[6]
The limited series production of the Tejas commenced in 2007. A two-seat trainer variant is also in development (exited the production line as of November 2008), as is a naval variant capable of operating from the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers. The IAF is reported to have a requirement for 200 single-seat and 20 two-seat conversion trainers, while the Indian Navy may order up to 40 single-seaters to replace its Sea Harrier FRS.51 and Harrier T.60.[7] The LCA naval variant is expected to take to the skies by 2009.[8] Recent developments suggest that the aircraft will be inducted into the Indian Air Force by end of 2010 or early 2011.
Surayakiran an aerobic demonstration team of the Indian Air Force, awesome demonstration on the sky. The Suryakirans operate 16 HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 trainer aircraft. The HJT-16 is the basic armaments trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force, and is used for intermediate flight and weapons training. The aircraft is also effective in reconnaissance and counter insurgency operations. The aircraft used by the team are painted in a "day-glo orange" and white colour scheme.