February 07, 2013: Ahead of the Iron Fist fire power demonstration in Rajasthan shortly where the LCA Tejas will be seen breathing fire for the first time as part of a cooperative exercise with other aircraft in IAF inventory, the LCA Tejas has just passed a round of winter trials at Leh. According to the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), “Tejas operated from Leh in the winter of 2013, altitude 3,500 m (11,500 ft). The temperature was often down to -15 degree celsius at night and the day temperature rarely exceeded zero degree celsius.The views are spectacular, Leh is the highest commercial airport in the world.”

The LCA conducted its first round of winter trials in 2008 at Leh when it proved its high-altitude take-off capability with combat loads. Sources indicate that confidence in the platform has peaked following its performance at Leh and earlier last year during weapons trials in Pokhran.

The LCA Tejas will be performing at Aero India 2013, which its makers hope will be the final Bangalore show before the Tejas sports squadron livery and colours with the Indian Air Force. The first squadron of Tejas fighters is expected to operate from the Sulur Air Force base in Tamil Nadu.