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On 13 January 2021, the Cabinet Committee on Security finally cleared the long-pending acquisition of 73 improved Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk.1A fighters along with ten LCA Mk.1 trainers.
This Rs 45,696 crore (US$ 6.25 billion) programme marks a rare high point for the beleaguered thirty-year programme, which has suffered through significant development and production delays, and seen no new orders since the Indian Air Force committed to inducting forty aircraft back in 2005.
The LCA Mk.1A variant
dates back to 2015, when the IAF, unhappy with the state of the programme, agreed to an upgraded Tejas that would improve on the LCA Mk.1 that had just achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC), by adding a new electronically-scanned active array radar, updated avionics, electronic warfare capability, all accompanied by only minor structural changes. This would, at least on paper, be delivered more quickly and cheaply than a comprehensive redesign around a new
Govt clears Rs 48,000-cr deal for 83 Tejas fighters â all you want to know about the aircraft
New aircraft comes with 4 major capability enhancements â mid-air refuelling, Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar, Electronic Warfare suite & Beyond Visual Range missile.
Snehesh Alex Philip 13 January, 2021 5:09 pm IST Text Size:
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New Delhi: The Narendra Modi-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) Wednesday cleared the much awaited Rs 48,000-crore deal for 83 LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Tejas aircraft, which will see a greater collaboration between state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private firms as part of âMake in Indiaâ.
With the CCS now clearing the deal, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to sign a contract with HAL next month when Indiaâs air show Aero India takes off in Bengaluru.