In a significant development for the indigenous aerospace sector, India has unveiled plans to acquire an additional 100 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets, all proudly made in India. The announcement, delivered by Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari in Spain, comes on the heels of receiving the first C-295 transport aircraft at a domestic aircraft manufacturing facility.
The decision to bolster the fleet with these made-in-India fighter jets is aimed at replacing several aging aircraft within the MiG series. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari elucidated that the LCA Mark 1A was meticulously crafted to supplant the substantial MiG series, which includes the MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 aircraft. With the gradual phase-out of these aging aircraft, ensuring an ample inventory of LCA class aircraft becomes imperative. Thus, apart from the existing contract for 83 LCA Mark 1A units, the proposal for an additional 100 aircraft is progressing through the channels of the defense ministry and other national security stakeholders.
This procurement decision aligns with the recent comprehensive review of the indigenous fighter jet program, which brought together all relevant entities, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The order signifies a substantial resurgence of the LCA Tejas fighters in the Indian Air Force’s inventory. In the coming 15 years, the IAF is poised to field a formidable force comprising 40 LCA, over 180 LCA Mark-1A, and a minimum of 120 LCA Mark-2 aircraft. Notably, the LCA Mark 1A represents an advanced iteration of the Tejas aircraft, featuring enhanced avionics and radar systems compared to the initial 40 LCAs provided to the Air Force.
Crucially, the new LCA Mark 1A boasts a remarkable indigenous content of over 65 percent, emphasizing India’s self-reliance in the aerospace sector. It also underscores the LCA’s pivotal role in advancing India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Make in India initiatives.
In a parallel development, India has granted preliminary approval for nine capital acquisition projects valued at Rs 45,000 crore for the armed forces. These projects encompass the acquisition of 12 additional Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, five next-generation naval survey vessels, around 800 light armored multi-purpose vehicles, and over 200 Dhruvastra anti-tank guided missiles.
This progressive stance in bolstering the indigenous aerospace sector and enhancing the military’s capabilities showcases India’s determination to fortify its defense infrastructure while fostering self-reliance and technological prowess on the global stage.
