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The LCA Mk-1A is a key part of the IAF’s efforts to strengthen its fighter fleet amid a shortage of combat aircraft.
HAL is targeting the delivery of around 10 fighter jets to the IAF during FY 2026-27. (File/ PTI)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) expects to start delivering the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) to the Indian Air Force by the end of this year, with the state-run aerospace company working to resolve the remaining radar and weapons-integration issues.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K, in his first interview since taking charge on May 1, said the aircraft was undergoing final corrections.
“The last-mile corrections are underway,” he told Hindustan Times on Thursday. “There are a few radar issues that we need to address. Also, the final weapons integration testing is still pending. We should resolve these issues within a month or so and get the aircraft ready for delivery.”
The LCA Mk-1A is a key part of the IAF’s efforts to strengthen its fighter fleet amid a shortage of combat aircraft. The force has placed two orders for 180 Mk-1A fighters worth a combined ₹1.1 lakh crore.
The first contract, for 83 aircraft, was signed in February 2021, while the second order for 97 fighters was placed in September 2025. Deliveries under the first contract are likely to begin in December.
HAL is targeting the delivery of around 10 fighter jets to the IAF during FY 2026-27.
“I have got 10 engines from GE Aerospace, and 27 LCA Mk-1A airframes are ready. We can definitely deliver 10 aircraft,” Ravi said.
At A Glance
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) expects to start delivering the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) to the Indian Air Force by the end of this year.
The Indian Air Force has placed two orders for 180 Mk-1A fighters worth a combined ₹1.1 lakh crore.
The first contract for 83 aircraft was signed in February 2021, and the second order for 97 fighters was placed in September 2025.
HAL is targeting the delivery of around 10 fighter jets to the IAF during FY 2026-27.
The 97 fighters under the 2025 order will have a higher level of indigenous content, with around 40 imported systems from the first 83 aircraft being indigenised.
The pace of the LCA Mk-1A programme has been a concern for the IAF, given the potential impact of delays in inducting new fighter aircraft on its combat effectiveness.
The first Mk-1 aircraft under the 2021 order was scheduled to be delivered in March 2024. However, the deadline was missed due to factors including delays by US firm GE Aerospace in supplying F404-IN20 engines and difficulties in securing key certifications.
HAL intends to complete the order within three to four years if engine supplies remain uninterrupted.
“We should be able to deliver within that timeline, given our capacity to produce 24 Mk-1As every year. We are not stopping production, irrespective of engine availability. We are building airframes so that aircraft can be rolled out as the engines arrive,” Ravi said.
Higher Indigenous Content In 97 LCA Mk-1As
The 97 fighters covered under the 2025 order will have a higher level of indigenous content compared with the 83 aircraft contracted in 2021, Ravi said.
“A range of indigenous systems will be there in the 97 Mk-1As, including the Uttam AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar and Swayam Raksha Kavach (electronic warfare suite). Around 40 imported systems in the first 83 aircraft will be indigenised as we execute the second contract.”
LCA Mk-2 Programme
Meanwhile, work on the more advanced LCA Mk-2 programme is progressing, with HAL having completed the structure and coupling.
“The front, centre and rear fuselage sections have been joined, and the airframe is ready. We are targeting the first ground run by March 2027, with the maiden flight expected later that year. The contract is yet to be signed. The IAF is now moving the case forward,” he said.
HAL is also negotiating with GE Aerospace for the joint production of the more powerful F414 engines in India for the LCA Mk-2 programme. India already has a few F414 engines, procured by the Aeronautical Development Agency, for the Mk-2 prototypes.
“As far as the joint production of the F414 is concerned, all technical issues have been resolved. We are awaiting a commercial proposal from GE Aerospace, and then we will start negotiating the terms and conditions for that.” The F414 deal will involve 80% technology transfer.
The LCA is expected to become a cornerstone of the IAF’s combat power, with around 350 LCAs across the Mk-1, Mk-1A and Mk-2 variants expected to operate in the coming decades.
The IAF currently operates around 30 fighter squadrons, compared with an authorised strength of 42.5.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) expects to begin delivering the LCA Mk-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the end of this year, with deliveries under the first contract likely starting in December. The state-run aerospace company is currently working to resolve remaining radar and weapons-integration issues, which are expected to be cleared within a month or so.
Ask News18About the Author
Aanchal is the Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than four years of experience in national and international news. My work involves covering breaking news, politics, current affairs and developments…Read More
September 18, 2026, 11:35 IST
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