HAL revises LCA Mk-IA, basic trainer delivery targets

NEW DELHI: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plans to deliver at least five light combat aircraft (LCA MK-1A) and three HTT-40 basic trainers to the Indian Air Force by the end of financial year 2025-26, down from 10 fighter jets and 12 trainers that the state-run plane maker was hoping to deliver under an earlier timeline, two officials aware of the matter said on Thursday.

- Rahul Singh

The delivery schedule has been reworked because of a combination of factors including the pace of supply of engines for both the LCA Mk-1A and basic trainer, and the completion of a series of critical weapon trials of the fighter jet, said one of the officials, asking not to be named.

HAL hopes to recover from the deadline slippage and meet its overall delivery targets in the coming years to boost the air force's combat effectiveness, he added.

IAF has so far placed two separate orders for a total of 180 LCA Mk-1As with a combined value of ₹1.1 lakh crore to shore up its fighter fleet, with the first contract for 83 jets inked in February 2021, followed by a second one for 97 fighters in September 2025.

THE FIVE LCA MkIAS HAL PLANS TO DELIVER BY MARCH 31, 2026, ARE PART OF THE FIRST ORDER, LIKELY TO BE EXECUTED OVER THE NEXT FOUR TO FIVE YEARS