Tejas LCA Mk1A Delivery Expected Soon, Mk2 Production By 2027: Report

Reports say that the newest version of the homegrown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) could be delivered as early as next month. Plans are already being made for an even better version that will be made by 2027.

The Center gave the go-ahead for the Air Force to buy the LCA Mk1A in 2021. It will add new radars, electronic warfare systems, and mid-air refueling features to the Air Force’s fleet of fighter jets.

By next month, the first of the 83 LCA Mk1A jets should be ready to be sent out.

At least four LCA Mk1A are expected to be sent out by August.

In addition to the 83 planes that have already been ordered, the government is also thinking about buying another 97 jets.

At the moment, the country can make eight fighter jets a year. There are plans to double that number to sixteen a year.

The Mk2 version, on the other hand, should be ready for mass production by 2027 and will likely be able to fly longer and carry more weapons.

The Mk2 prototype is already being worked on, and the machinery needed for production, like jigs and fixtures, is in place.

DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and a private sector organization will work together on the project in a way similar to the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) plan.