Govt Approves Induction of 93 Additional LCA Mk 1 Jets for IAF

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has granted its approval for the procurement of 97 LCA Mk-1A light combat aircraft (LCA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This decision, confirmed by official sources, marks another major step in strengthening the IAF’s operational capabilities with indigenous fighter aircraft at a time when its squadron strength is gradually declining. The move builds upon an earlier procurement order of 83 LCA Mk-1A jets placed in February 2021, further underscoring the government’s commitment to boosting indigenous defence production.

The LCA Mk-1A, indigenously designed and developed, will be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). These additional jets are expected to provide a crucial boost to the IAF’s fleet, especially as many of its older fighter squadrons, including the ageing MiG-21s, have either been retired or are on track for phasing out in the coming years. Officials stressed that the timely induction of the LCA Mk-1A aircraft is essential to ensuring that the IAF retains adequate combat strength to handle both present and future operational requirements.

The approval from the CCS follows an earlier clearance in 2023 by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The DAC’s approval signalled the government’s recognition of the urgency to strengthen the Air Force’s fighter aircraft inventory, and Tuesday’s final nod by the CCS has now set the stage for actual procurement and induction.

HAL has already been preparing for this major order. Back in August 2021, shortly after the IAF’s initial order of 83 LCA Mk-1A jets, HAL placed an order worth ₹5,375 crore with GE Aerospace for 99 F404 jet engines. These engines will power the Tejas Mk-1A, India’s indigenous light combat aircraft. However, deliveries of these engines have seen some delays. The first engine was handed over to HAL only in April this year, almost a year and a half behind schedule, while the second engine was delivered last month. Despite the delays, HAL has been making steady progress. Officials have confirmed that 12 Tejas aircraft will be ready by December this year, with six already lined up for production.

Looking ahead, HAL has ambitious plans for production. According to officials, the company aims to manufacture 16 fighter jets next year, provided the US deliveries of jet engines remain on schedule. The long-term plan is to maintain an annual production rate of 16 aircraft, which would allow HAL to complete deliveries of all ordered jets, including the fresh batch of 97, by 2030. This steady pipeline of production will ensure that the IAF receives regular reinforcements to maintain its operational edge.

The importance of this procurement cannot be overstated. With most of the MiG-21 squadrons already retired and other ageing aircraft expected to be phased out by the next decade, the IAF faces a pressing shortfall in squadron strength. The induction of the Tejas Mk-1A will help bridge this gap, preventing the Air Force from falling below the minimum required squadron numbers for effective defence preparedness.

In conclusion, the CCS’s approval for 97 additional LCA Mk-1A aircraft represents a significant stride in strengthening India’s air power and promoting indigenous defence manufacturing. It reflects the government’s determination to modernize the Air Force, reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, and build a self-reliant defence ecosystem. The Tejas programme, despite initial delays, is steadily gaining momentum and is now poised to play a central role in shaping the future of the IAF’s combat fleet.