India's light combat aircraft test fires air-to-air missile

India's light combat aircraft "Tejas" successfully test-fired an air-to-air missile, defense officials said Saturday.

The test-fire was conducted on a manoeuvrable aerial target at the interim test range at Chandipur in eastern state of Odisha.

"Tejas, the light combat aircraft successfully demonstrated an air-to-air beyond visual range (BVR) missile firing capability by releasing Derby air-to-air BVR missile in RADAR guided mode," a statement issued by Indian Defense ministry said.

"The objective of the test was to assess the Derby integration with aircraft systems on-board Tejas including the aircraft avionics, fire-control radar, launchers and missile weapon delivery system and to verify its performance."

Tejas is an Indian single-seat, single-jet engine, multi-role light fighter designed by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian airforce and navy. Endit