HAL to Deliver First LCA Mark 1A Fighter Jet to Indian Air Force by July

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to deliver the first LCA Mark 1A fighter jet to the Indian Air Force by July 2024, following a brief delay. This milestone signifies a major step towards self-reliance in India's military sector.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to deliver the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by July 2024. The delivery, originally planned for February-March, was delayed due to technical reasons but is now back on track, according to defence officials.

HAL conducted the first flight of the LCA Mark 1A last month, and further integration trials are currently underway. These are expected to be completed in the coming weeks before the aircraft is handed over to the IAF.

The induction of the LCA Mark 1A is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in India's military sector. Prime Minister Narendra Modi may be invited to commemorate this milestone, given his strong support for indigenous defence production.

The LCA Mark 1A project, initiated during Prime Minister Modi's tenure, has already secured an order worth Rs 48,000 crore for 83 aircraft. A second order for 97 additional planes, expected to be valued at Rs 65,000 crore, is likely to be placed by the end of this financial year. This tender represents the largest order for indigenous military hardware ever placed by the Indian government. HAL has been given a three-month period to respond to the tender.

This program aims to replace the ageing fleet of MiG-21s, MiG-23s, and MiG-27s in the IAF, which have either been phased out or are scheduled for phase-out soon. Defence officials emphasize that this initiative will significantly boost indigenization and provide substantial business opportunities for small and medium enterprises engaged in the defence sector across the country.

Prime Minister Modi has been a vocal advocate for reviving HAL, which has secured orders for various indigenous fighter aircraft and helicopters, along with their engines. He also made history by being the first Prime Minister of India to undertake a sortie in the trainer variant of the indigenous fighter.

Indian Air Force Chief VR Chaudhari, during his visit to Spain, announced the plan to acquire an additional 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets, highlighting the ambitious plans to enhance the IAF's indigenous fighter aircraft fleet.

The delivery of the first LCA Mark 1A to the IAF by July will mark a significant achievement in India's efforts to strengthen its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.