Aerospace
IAF to order around 100 more LCA Mark-1A fighter jets
According to top defense officials, the Indian Air Force (IAF) would acquire an additional 100 Tejas Mark-1A Light Combat Aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The choice to replace the outdated fleet of MiG-21 fighter aircraft with 100 additional Tejas Mark-1A aircraft is intended to help the nation’s aerospace industry.
The authorities stated that the Defence Ministry has received the project plans, and that approval for the order is anticipated soon.
The Indian Air Force is expected to receive up to 300 Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets in the upcoming years. The first Mk-1A aircraft will be delivered in February 2024, and the remaining Mk-1A aircraft will all be added to the IAF’s combat force by the end of 2029. Forward bases are scheduled to receive the LCA Mk-1A aircraft.
The Mk-1A will have enhanced beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, digital radar warning receivers, external self-protection jammer pods, superior radar, and substantially better maintainability. The indigenous content of the fighter is anticipated to be greater than 60%, as opposed to 50% in current versions.
The Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India national programmes were embraced by the programme. It is also a symbol of India’s independence in the aerospace industry, which is more significant. All LCA Mk 1 fighter variants that had been contracted had been delivered to the IAF, it was revealed during the review.
HAL representatives had previously given the chief assurances that the ordered twin-seaters would be delivered on time in the coming months. 83 LCA Mk-1A aircraft have also been ordered by the IAF for delivery in 2021, in addition to the LCA Mk 1. All participants in attendance received assurances from HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director that deliveries of this upgraded LCA variant will start by February 2024.
