Topic: Indian Air Force (IAF)

HAL has an order of 18 twin seaters from IAF and is planning to deliver eight twin seaters in FY 2023-24. Further, 10 twin seaters would be delivered progressively by 2026-27. HAL has an order of 18 twin seaters from IAF and is planning to deliver eight twin seaters in FY 2023-24. Further, 10 twin seaters would be delivered progressively by 2026-27.

The indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) are designed to meet the specific needs of the Indian armed forces for operating in deserts and high-altitude areas.

C-295 is known to be a superior aircraft used for tactical transport of up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers & for logistic operations to places not accessible to heavier aircraft.

In a boost to made-in-India aerospace sector, Air Force plans to buy the aircraft to replace MiG-series fighter jets in its fleet. Plans submitted to defence ministry, other stakeholders.

Lockheed Martin, Embraer & Airbus in contention for Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft programme. IAF is looking to procure 40-80 aircraft to replace old AN-32s & possibly IL-76s.

MoD is considering making 'short service entry more attractive' to mitigate shortage, clarified that available strength is adequate to meet current operational requirements.

India also in talks with Airbus to set up maintenance, repair & overhaul hub for C-295 aircraft, which are operated by a number of countries, including UAE, Philippines, Thailand.

The 'historic' deal is 'most significant' of a number of agreements expected to be concluded between the two countries during PM Modi's visit to the US which ends Friday.

Forty of 56 C-295 aircraft will be manufactured at TATA consortium facility in Gujarat's Vadodara, the last of which will be rolled out by 2031.

LCA Mark 2 fighter aircraft will be a replacement for Mirage 2000, Jaguar & MiG-29 combat aircraft in the Indian Air Force. DRDO will be developing the aircraft with a GE-414 engine.