First LCA Mark-1A Likely To Be Delivered To Indian Air Force By March End

In a significant development for India's defence capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to deliver the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the end of this month.

The state-owned Defence PSU is also working on the expedited delivery of the first twin-seater trainer version of the aircraft, news agency ANI reported citing defence sources.

The HAL is reportedly working towards delivery the fighter jets to the IAF by 31 March.

The delivery of the LCA MK1A aircraft would be a big fillip for the indigenous fighter aircraft project where an advanced aircraft would be provided to the IAF.

The IAF has already signed a contract with HAL, worth over Rs 48,000 crore, for the supply of 83 LCA planes.

Additionally, there is clearance for the acquisition of another 97 aircraft at a cost of Rs 65,000 crore.

The Indian Air Force has already signed a contract worth over Rs 48,000 crore with the HAL for supplying 83 LCA planes while there is clearance for buying 97 more of them at Rs 65,000 crore.

The HAL has already conduced ground trials, including slow taxi runs, paving the way for the aircraft's induction.

The LCA Mark 1 variants were initially introduced into the IAF in 2016, with the 45 Squadron and 18 Squadron being the first to operate these indigenous jets.

The clearance for the additional 97 LCA aircraft has been hailed as a "landmark event" by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.

"We already had 40 LCAs of the original IOC and FOC version. So with this, in the long run, the strength of the Indian Air Force will grow to 220 LCA mark 1As, which will equip almost ten squadrons of the Air Force," he said after the deal got cleared by the defence acquisition council.

The decision to procure more LCAs comes at a critical time as the IAF seeks to modernize its fleet and replace aging MiG-series aircraft.

The inclusion of the LCA, known for its agility and advanced capabilities, is seen as a strategic move to maintain the IAF's competitive edge in the region.

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