HAL said that it had created a third assembly line for LCA Mark 1A. The facility also has the second production line for HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft and has been licensed to produce the Su-30MKI and MiG series fighter jets in the past.
On August 19, the central government had approved the purchase of 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force at a cost of Rs 62,000 crore. This was the second major order for the Mark 1A jets. The first, placed a few years ago, was for 83 aircraft worth around Rs 48,000 crore. With the new order, the total number of LCA Mark 1A jets for the Air Force now stands at 180.
The jets are expected to replace the ageing MiG-21s, which are being phased out in the coming weeks, sources said.
The LCA Mark 1A features advanced avionics and radar systems, offering a significant upgrade over the initial 40 LCAs supplied to the Air Force. Defence sources said that more than 65% of components in the new aircraft are of indigenous origin, highlighting India’s growing self-reliance in aerospace technology.
