NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) inked a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft (68 fighters and 29 twin seaters) with associated equipment for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a cost of Rs 62,370 crore (excluding taxes).
This comes amid the fast dwindling combat fighter strength, which has caused anxiety in the IAF leadership. The last MiG 21 squadron (23 Squadron) is being phased out on Friday, bringing the current number of fighter squadrons below 30.
"The advanced LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Mk1A integrates Uttam active electronically steered radar (AESA) Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach and control actuators, with 64%+ indigenous content and 67 new indigenous items," said the MoD.
"Supported by 105 suppliers, the project will generate 11,750 jobs per year over six years. Deliveries will start in 2027-28, boosting IAF capability, Atmanirbhar Bharat (self reliance) and India's defence preparedness," the MoD added.
Last month, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) gave its nod for the production of Tejas Mk1A, the newer and improved version of India's single-engine, 4.5 generation delta wing multirole combat aircraft designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency. It will play an important role in mitigating the fall in the number of combat squadrons. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had given its approval in November 2023.
Tejas is a multirole platform designed to undertake the Air Defence, Maritime Reconnaissance and strike roles. The LCA Mk-1A will have updated avionics, an updated electronic warfare suite and a beyond visual range missile capability. The new variant will be capable of firing a number of weapons from increased stand-off ranges.
As earlier reported by the TNIE, the IAF plans to increase the profile of indigenous combat platforms. "This is as per a long-term plan to not only add to the resources of HAL to keep its assembly lines alive but also to add more indigenously manufactured combat systems," said a source.
The IAF had ordered 83 LCA Tejas Mk 1A at Rs 46,000 crore in 2021. Once this new order is completed in the stipulated 15 years, the IAF will have 40 LCA, over 180 LCA Mark-1A and at least 120 LCA Mark-2 planes.
Officially, the IAF is supposed to have 42 combat squadrons to handle all potential challenges. A squadron in the IAF comprises 16-18 aircraft.
A single-engine, lightweight multi-role fighter, originally meant to replace the MiG-21, the first indigenous LCA was inducted in July 2016. The first IAF squadron to induct the Tejas was No 45 Squadron, the 'Flying Daggers'. Forty LCA Tejas Mk 1 were ordered initially, of which 35 have been inducted till now.