The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to order another 90 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-MK1A once the contract for 83 LCA-MK1A is under execution, according to official sources. In 2021, the Defence Ministry had signed a ₹48,000-crore deal with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to supply 83 LCA-MK1A to the IAF, a more capable fighter than the current LCA-MK1.
As per the contract, three LCA-MK1A are scheduled to be delivered to the IAF in February 2024 and 16 aircraft per year for subsequent five years.
“We are going to request the government for more LCA-MK1A. We are looking at an additional 90 aircraft or four squadrons,” a defence source said on condition of anonymity. The LCA-MK2, a larger and more capable, is expected to be inducted from 2032 onwards, IAF officials say.
