In a significant boost to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India in defence initiative, India has cleared the proposal to procure 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, ANI reported on Tuesday.
According to ANI, the final approval for the acquisition was granted at a high-level meeting, paving the way for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to take up production of the aircraft.
This marks the second major order for the LCA Mark 1A fighters, ANI noted, as the government had earlier placed orders for 83 aircraft worth around Rs 48,000 crore. The programme is expected to aid the IAF in replacing its ageing fleet of MiG-21s, which are set to be phased out in the coming weeks.
ANI further reported that the indigenous fighter jet programme, strongly supported by the Defence Ministry and Air Headquarters, will not only advance indigenisation but also generate significant opportunities for small and medium enterprises engaged in the defence sector across the country.
Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, HAL has been receiving orders for indigenous fighter aircraft, helicopters, and their engines. ANI recalled that the Prime Minister had also undertaken a sortie in the trainer variant of the indigenous fighter—marking the first-ever combat aircraft sortie by an Indian Prime Minister.
The plan to acquire 97 more LCA Mark 1A jets was first revealed by then IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari in Spain, when he informed ANI about the government’s plans to significantly expand orders for indigenous fighters.
ANI highlighted that the LCA Mark 1A comes with upgraded avionics and radars compared to the initial 40 LCA aircraft already inducted. The new batch will feature an indigenous content of over 65 per cent.
As ANI reported, the LCA programme has been at the forefront of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, representing a major leap in India’s aerospace self-reliance. HAL is also expected to secure additional orders for over 200 LCA Mark 2s and a similar number of next-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
(With ANI inputs)
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