In a significant development, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is slated to deliver the first LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by July this year. Originally expected to be delivered in the February-March timeframe, a brief delay occurred due to technical reasons. Defence officials informed ANI that the recent review of the LCA fighter project by the IAF and HAL has set the new delivery timeline for July.
The first flight of the indigenous fighter aircraft was successfully conducted by HAL last month, with several integration trials underway in the coming weeks before the final delivery to the IAF. The induction of the LCA Mark 1A into the IAF is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in the military sector, and it is speculated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may be invited to mark the occasion.
Conceptualized during Prime Minister Modi’s tenure, the LCA Mark 1A project has already seen an order worth Rs 48,000 crore for 83 planes. Another order, expected to be worth Rs 65,000 crore for 97 planes, is anticipated to be placed by the end of the current financial year. The Defence Ministry has issued a tender to HAL for the purchase of these 97 indigenous fighter jets, marking the largest order for indigenous military hardware by the Indian government.
This program aims to replace the IAF’s fleet of MiG-21s, MiG-23s, and MiG-27s, which are either phased out or scheduled for phase-out soon. Supported by both the Defence Ministry and Air Headquarters, the indigenous fighter aircraft program is poised to significantly enhance indigenization efforts and create substantial business opportunities for small and medium enterprises in the defence sector across India.
Prime Minister Modi has been advocating for the revival of HAL, which has secured orders for building various indigenous fighter aircraft and helicopters, along with their engines, under his government. Notably, the Prime Minister undertook a sortie in the trainer variant of the indigenous fighter, marking the first-ever flight by an Indian Prime Minister in any combat aircraft.
The plan to acquire 97 more LCA Mark 1A fighter jets was initially announced by the Indian Air Force Chief VR Chaudhari on foreign soil in Spain, emphasizing the significant push towards boosting indigenous fighter aircraft orders.