On Thursday, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari called for an increase in the production of the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) to meet the growing demands of the IAF.
His remarks come amid concerns over the slow pace of the LCA Mk-1A program and the potential risks posed by delays in the induction of new fighter jets to the air force’s combat readiness. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer, has been urged to expedite the ₹48,000-crore contract for 83 aircraft.
“The challenge is aligning production capacity with our needs,” Chaudhari said during a press briefing at the conclusion of Tarang Shakti 2024, India’s largest multilateral air combat exercise, held at the Jodhpur airbase.
He suggested the creation of multiple production lines to increase output. “The industry must address this challenge and propose a solution, possibly through public-private partnerships, joint ventures, or other models, with HAL leading the way,” he added, emphasizing the need for additional production lines to not only meet domestic requirements but also support exports.
To meet the IAF’s rising demand, HAL has already established a new production line for LCA Mk-1As in Nashik. The state-owned firm claims it can produce 16 jets annually at its Bengaluru facility, with the Nashik line boosting production to 24 jets per year. The delivery of the 83 jets is scheduled for completion by 2028-29.
Additionally, the defense ministry is likely to award HAL a contract for 97 more LCA Mk-1As, valued at ₹67,000 crore, by the end of the year, further enhancing the IAF’s capabilities.
The LCA is set to become a cornerstone of the IAF’s combat power in the coming decade, with the air force expected to operate around 350 LCAs (Mk-1, Mk-1A, and the future Mk-2). A third of these have already been ordered, with some inducted, and the rest are integral to the IAF’s modernization plans.
Chaudhari praised the performance of the LCA Mk-1, the first variant, during the Tarang Shakti exercise, where it successfully carried out various missions alongside larger and more advanced global fighter jets. The first phase of the exercise was held in August at the Sulur airbase in Tamil Nadu, with the final leg beginning in Jodhpur on August 30. Air forces from seven countries, including the US, Australia, the UAE, and Greece, participated.
IAF has so far inducted 36 of the 40 LCA Mk-1s ordered, with these being the initial operational clearance (IOC) and final operational clearance (FOC) configurations. The LCA Mk-1A, an upgraded version, is currently on order.
Despite concerns about HAL’s ability to meet the delivery timeline for the 83 LCA Mk-1As, there is some optimism. One of the key challenges has been delays in the supply of F404 engines from US firm GE Aerospace. However, officials have said that GE Aerospace has committed to delivering two engines per month starting in November 2024.
HAL is also looking to expand exports of the LCA and helicopters, proposing the creation of a new vertical, led by a CEO-ranked officer, who will report directly to the company’s chairman.
