In 2016, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over the first two indigenously designed and manufactured light combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force. What is the name of this aircraft?

Introduction / Context:
India efforts to develop indigenous defence technology include the design and production of combat aircraft. A major milestone was achieved when Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over the first series production light combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force. This aircraft is intended to modernise the IAF fleet and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Exam questions often ask for the name of this indigenous light combat aircraft.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The year 2016 is mentioned as the time when HAL delivered the first two light combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force.
• Four aircraft names are listed as options: Marut, Garud, Tejas and Pushpak.
• We assume awareness of India major indigenous aircraft projects and their names.

Concept / Approach:
The light combat aircraft in question is “Tejas”, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and produced by HAL. “Marut” was an earlier HF-24 jet fighter developed in India decades ago, “Pushpak” is associated with a light trainer aircraft, and “Garud” is more commonly known as a special forces unit of the Air Force rather than a combat aircraft. Therefore, by matching the description of an indigenously designed light combat aircraft delivered around 2016 with the correct name, we identify Tejas as the answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme resulted in the aircraft named “Tejas”, a multi-role fighter designed for the Indian Air Force and Navy. Step 2: In 2016, HAL delivered the first two series production Tejas aircraft to the Indian Air Force, marking an important stage in induction. Step 3: HF-24 “Marut” was a previous indigenous supersonic jet fighter developed in India during the 1960s, not the modern LCA handed over in 2016. Step 4: “Pushpak” generally refers to a light trainer or utility aircraft, not a modern combat jet for frontline service. Step 5: “Garud” is recognised mainly as the name of the Indian Air Force special forces unit, and not as the official name of a light combat aircraft. Step 6: Therefore, the name of the indigenously designed and manufactured light combat aircraft delivered in 2016 is “Tejas”.

Verification / Alternative check:
Defence news coverage around 2016 prominently reported the handover ceremony of LCA Tejas aircraft to the Indian Air Force, with photographs and details of the aircraft capabilities. These reports consistently use the name Tejas and refer to it as India first indigenous light combat aircraft of modern design. Older references to Marut always place it in a historical context, while Garud appears mostly in stories about special forces operations. This pattern confirms that Tejas is the correct aircraft name for this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Marut: An earlier generation Indian jet fighter, not the light combat aircraft delivered in 2016.
• Garud: Name of the Indian Air Force special forces unit, not an aircraft name in this context.
• Pushpak: Associated with a light trainer or general aviation aircraft, not with the modern LCA for the Air Force.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse various Indian aircraft names, especially when they have mythological or Sanskrit origins. A typical error is to associate Marut with the most recent programme because it was also a notable indigenous jet. Another mistake is to assume that any fierce sounding name like Garud must be a modern fighter. To avoid such confusion, it is helpful to memorise a short list: Tejas for the modern LCA, Marut for the earlier HF-24 fighter and Garud for the Air Force special forces unit.

Final Answer:
Tejas