Plans to buy 100 more indigenous LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets, says Indian Air Force chief

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari told ANI at the Airbus aircraft manufacturing facility that “The LCA was developed from the ground up for replacement of the large MiG series fleet including the MiG-21, MiG 23 and MiG-27 aircraft.

With the phasing out of all these aircraft, it is essential that we have adequate numbers of the LCA class aircraft in our inventory. So, apart from the 83 LCA Mark 1A that we have already contracted for, we are moving a case for around 100 more aircraft”

As per the plans of the Indian Air Force (IAF), these aircraft made-in-India will replace the MiG-series fighter jets in its fleet. The plans have been submitted to the Defence Ministry and all other stakeholders in the national security establishment.

The Indian Air Force chief held a review meeting last month with all involved parties, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, regarding the indigenous fighter jet program. At that time, the decision to purchase approximately 100 additional of these aircraft was made.

The order would mean that the LCA Tejas fighters would re-up the Indian Air Force in veritably large figures. The IAF will have 40 LCA, over 180 LCA Mark- 1A and at least 120 LCA Mark- 2 aeroplanes in the coming 15 times.