Intentar ORO - Gratis

First Nashik-produced LCA Mk-1A set for maiden flight

Hindustan Times Noida

|

June 17, 2025

The first light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) built at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's new production line in Nashik is set to make its maiden flight in mid-July, and the state-owned plane maker is targeting delivery of the first LCA Mk-1A produced in Bengaluru to the Indian Air Force in July-August after a delay of almost 16 months, officials aware of the matter said on Monday.

- Rahul Singh

NEW DELHI:

HAL can build 16 Mk-1As every year in Bengaluru, and the Nashik production line will help it boost production to a total of 24 jets. To be sure, the Bengaluru-produced LCA Mk-1A flew for the first time in March 2024.

"The Nashik production line will roll out four to five Mk-1A fighters this year, followed by eight annually next year onwards. It will help us make up for the delay in deliveries due to factors including US firm GE Aerospace's inability to supply F404-IN20 engines on time and some pending certifications," said one of the officials cited above, asking not to be named.

IAF is concerned about the current pace of the LCA Mk-1A programme because of the possible risks a delay in the induction of new fighters could pose to its combat effectiveness. The air force ordered 83 Mk-1A fighters for ₹48,000 crore in February 2021 and plans to buy 97 more Mk-1As at a cost of around ₹67,000 crore.

The first of the 83 jets on order was to be delivered to the IAF by March 31, 2024. The last of the 83 jets is to be delivered by 2028-29.

"HAL has so far manufactured six LCA Mk-1As in Bengaluru to execute the 83-aircraft order. One of these, equipped with GE's F404-IN20 engine, is expected to be delivered to the IAF in July-August. We have sufficient capacity to offset the delay once the engine supplies stabilise," said a second official, who also asked not to be named.

GE Aerospace delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to HAL in March. The second engine is expected to be delivered in July, followed by two every month until December, the officials said, adding that deliveries will be accelerated next year onwards.

The US firm had then explained why the engine supply was delayed and assured HAL that production was being ramped up to execute the Indian order.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE Hindustan Times Noida

Hindustan Times Noida

Next chapter of India-UK partnership in science

The partnership in science and technology is strong and can now pivot to take on new responsibilities for sustainable development of the two countries

time to read

3 mins

October 09, 2025

Hindustan Times Noida

Sai and the fight for a spot in the playing XI

There are many who after watching India decimate West Indies in the first Test at Ahmedabad wondered whether this series had any real value for the players or the spectators. To be fair, it isn't much of a challenge for the established professionals but there is always the idea of good form that every player chases.

time to read

3 mins

October 09, 2025

Hindustan Times Noida

DELHI HC QUASHES PLEA TO BAR PRASAR BHARATI FROM CALLING BCCI TEAM 'INDIA'

The Delhi HC dismissed a petition seeking to bar government-funded broadcaster Prasar Bharati, which operates Doordarshan and All India Radio, from referring to BCCI's team as \"Team India\" or the \"Indian National Team.

time to read

1 min

October 09, 2025

Hindustan Times Noida

EU’s biometric checks: What non-EU citizens need to know

LONDON: How all non-European Union (EU) citizens, including British visitors, travel to and from the bloc will start to change from Sunday when its long-delayed new biometric entry-check system starts operations.

time to read

2 mins

October 09, 2025

Hindustan Times Noida

The new great game in Af-Pak

The Moscow Format statement shines light on the emerging power relations in the region

time to read

2 mins

October 09, 2025

Hindustan Times Noida

Hindustan Times Noida

Asian Cup qualifiers: India eye CAFA Cup repeat in Singapore

India resume their quest to qualify for an unprecedented third successive Asian Cup finals in Singapore on Thursday.

time to read

2 mins

October 09, 2025

Hindustan Times Noida

Lord's Mark secures US FDA registration, boosting Indian healthcare manufacturing

Lord's Mark Industries Limited has received US FDA registration for its range of surgical consumables, orthopaedic supports, and hygiene products, marking a major milestone in its global expansion and reinforcing India's position in the international healthcare supply chain.

time to read

2 mins

October 09, 2025

Hindustan Times Noida

Centre seeks time to frame cracker policy

{ PLEA AGAINST BAN ACROSS NCR } SC TO TAKE UP MATTER ON FRIDAY

time to read

2 mins

October 09, 2025

Hindustan Times Noida

Sergio Gor confirmed as US envoy to India

The US Senate on Tuesday confirmed Sergio Gor as the next US Ambassador to India and Paul Kapur as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia.

time to read

1 min

October 09, 2025

Hindustan Times Noida

6 killed in firecracker unit blaze in Andhra

Atleast six people, including four women, died and eight others were injured in a major explosion in a firecracker unit in Andhra Pradesh’s B R Ambedkar Konaseema district on ‘Wednesday afternoon, police said.

time to read

1 min

October 09, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size