Seville. Indian Air Force will buy 100 made-in-India LCA Mark 1A fighter jets. Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary announced this during his visit to Spain. LCA Mark-1A is an advanced version of Tejas aircraft. It is equipped with upgraded avionics and radar systems. The Air Force has already ordered 83 LCA Mark-1A aircraft.
The purpose of Indian Air Force to purchase these aircraft is to retire the old MiG-21. The official proposal for the deal has been sent to the Defense Ministry and National Security stakeholders.
Decision taken after review meeting
The decision to purchase 100 more LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft was taken after a review meeting chaired by the Air Force Chief. Officials of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) were also involved in this meeting.
After completion of this deal, India is expected to have 40 LCA Tejas, more than 180 LCA Mark-1A and at least 120 LCA Mark-2 aircraft in the next 15 years.
More than 65% of LCA Mark-1A equipment is made in India.
Earlier, India had ordered 83 LCA Mark-1A aircraft, which can be delivered in February 2024. More than 65% of the equipment of LCA Mark-1A is made in India. This is being considered a big step towards India’s self-reliance and Make-in-India in aerospace.
Air Force Chief has gone to Spain to get C-295 transport plane
Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhary has gone to Spain to take C-295 transport plane. Here he received the first C-295 transport plane on 13 September. This aircraft is being brought to replace the transport aircraft Avro-748 which has been in service for the last three decades.
This aircraft will be inducted into the Air Force fleet on September 25 at Hindon Airbase, Ghaziabad. After this it will be deployed at Agra airbase. According to sources, the training center in Agra for training to operate C-295 aircraft will also be ready by next year.
More than 500 fighter jets of MiG series have crashed
Since 1963, the Indian Air Force has received 872 MiG fighter planes of different series. Of these, about 500 fighter jets have crashed. More than 200 pilots and 56 civilians lost their lives in these accidents.
Most of the accidents have happened with MiG-21, hence it is also infamous by the name of flying coffin and widow maker. Now the Air Force will replace the MiG series aircraft with light combat aircraft.
Source: dainikbhaskarup.com
: Language Inputs
This post is sourced from newspapers, magazines and third-party websites. For more information please check NewsDay Express Disclaimer.