LCA Mk-1A makes air show debut amid delays

HAL is aiming at delivering first locally built LCA jets to the IAF by March 31 after necessary certifications

- Rahul Singh

BENGALURU: India on Monday unveiled its newest indigenous fighter jet at Aero India, attempting to allay lingering concerns about its readiness for induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) after delays.

Four Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1As performed in the inaugural flypast, demonstrating their capabilities before an international audience that included defence ministers from 30 countries among officials from 80 nations at the Yelahanka airbase.

The fighters flew in the "Yodha" formation, also known as "finger four" — with one aircraft on one side of the leader and two on the other.

State-run manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is yet to complete critical trials involving the indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range missile, locally made electronic warfare suite and Israeli Elta radar.