Topic: light combat aircraft

IAF facing severe shortage in fighter strength and state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has failed to deliver. Of IAF's initial order of 40 Tejas, HAL has delivered only 36.

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 IAF will sign contracts to procure indigenous jets, helicopters, and new-generation weapon systems over the next year and a half, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari said Tuesday.

While complimenting HAL, CAS indicated that based on these assurances, LCA Mk-1A could be inducted into a newly raised squadron in one of the IAF's operational bases early next year.

IAF inducted new helicopter Monday, but it'll get anti-tank guided missile only by mid-2023, while air-to-air missiles haven't yet been ordered, it is learnt.

Equipped with a 20 m gun, 70 mm rockets and air-to-ground missiles, the HAL-manufactured LCH will complement the heavier 22 Apache attack choppers purchased from the US.

Most of India’s defence programmes take about two decades before being fielded. For whatever reason this has become the norm, it is no longer sustainable.

India’s aeronautics industry has suffered from politicians’ neglect, allowing countries like China, Brazil and Turkey to overtake us.

A quick turnaround of the Tejas light fighter is on the cards but the government needs to step up.