IAF pushes for indigenisation, keen to induct 100 LCA Tejas fighters

IN a major plan to induct indigenous fighters, the Indian Air Force is working on a proposal to induct the indigenously manufactured Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

- MAYANK SINGH

“The IAF is keen to induct close to 100 LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighters and the plan is being worked out within the IAF,” sources said.

The proposal is to be presented to the government.

This IAF plan is to increase the profile of the 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,” sources said.

These aircraft will replace the ageing squadrons of the MiG 21 fighter jets.

Once this order is completed in stipulated 15 years, the IAF will have 40 LCA, over 180 LCA Mark-1A and at least 120 LCA Mark-2 planes.