IAF to deploy LCA at forward fighter bases in western sector

The Indian Air Force will deploy the locally produced light combat aircraft (LCA) at forward air bases in the western sector to bolster its combat readiness against Pakistan and fill the gap left by the gradual phasing out of the Soviet-era MiG-21 fighter jets, senior officials aware of the matter said on Friday.

- Rahul Singh

An LCA-Mk1 squadron based at Sulur in Tamil Nadu is set to be relocated to a frontline fighter base in Gujarat, while the first LCA Mk-1A squadron will be raised at an air base in Rajasthan, said one of the officials requesting anonymity. LCA Mk-1A is an advanced variant of LCA Mk-1.

IAF is expected to begin raising the LCA Mk-1A squadron after state-run plane maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) delivers the first aircraft to it in February 2024.

"Two air bases in the western sector, which earlier operated MiG-21s, are being readied to induct LCA Mk-l1 and Mk-IAs. The Mk-1As will progressively be deployed at forward air bases to enhance IAF's combat capability," said a second official who also asked not to be named.

As things stand, IAF operates two squadrons of LCA Mk-1, and both are based at Sulur. A fighter squadron consists of 16 to 18 jets.

The count of LCAs in IAF is set to increase as it will induct 83 Mk-1A fighter jets between 2024 and 2028. The air force ordered these aircraft in February 2021 for 48,000 crore. In early October, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari announced plans to order 97 more LCA Mk-ÏAs at an estimated cost of ₹67,000 crore.