HAL Secures Budget for 97 LCA Mark 1A Fighter Jets

April 13, 2024

The government has placed a record Rs 65,000 crore order for 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the largest ever order for indigenous military hardware. The advanced version of the Tejas aircraft, LCA Mark 1A will replace the aging MiG fleet of the Indian Air Force. The order is part of the government’s efforts to boost indigenisation in the defence sector and support small and medium enterprises.

Prime Minister Modi has been advocating for the revival of HAL, with plans to purchase 97 more LCA Mark 1A fighter jets. The first delivery of the aircraft from the previous order of 83 planes is expected in a few weeks. The company is also in talks to secure contracts for over 200 LCA Mark 2s and a similar number of fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.

About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is an Indian state-owned aerospace and defense company that recently secured a Rs 65,000 crore contract to manufacture 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. HAL is the primary developer and manufacturer of the indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft, designed to replace the aging MiG fleet. The company has been instrumental in the design, development, and production of the LCA, showcasing India’s capabilities in aerospace engineering.

Key features and improvements of the LCA Mark 1A include:

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A is an advanced variant of the indigenously developed Tejas fighter jet, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force. It is a single-engine, fourth-generation, multirole combat aircraft designed to undertake various missions such as air defense, ground attack, and anti-ship operations.

Advanced Radar: The Mark 1A variant is equipped with an advanced electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which provides superior detection and tracking capabilities compared to the previous mechanically scanned radar.
Electronic Warfare Suite: The aircraft features an advanced electronic warfare suite that enhances its survivability in hostile environments by detecting and countering enemy radar threats.
Expanded Weapon Capability: The Mark 1A can carry a wider range of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, bombs, and precision-guided munitions, increasing its combat versatility.
Improved Maintainability: The aircraft incorporates design improvements that enhance its maintainability, reducing downtime and increasing operational readiness.
Indigenous Content: The LCA Mark 1A has a high percentage of indigenous content, showcasing India’s capabilities in aircraft design, development, and manufacturing.

The LCA Mark 1A is a significant step forward in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in the defense sector. It is designed to be lightweight, highly maneuverable, and cost-effective compared to other modern fighter jets.

As the LCA Mark 1A enters production and service, it is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities, while also promoting the growth of the domestic aerospace ecosystem and creating skilled employment opportunities in the country.

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