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News Topical, Digital Desk : Public sector company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) may face a major setback. HAL is expected to be excluded from the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft project. However, a final decision on this issue has not yet been taken by the Ministry of Defense.
Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force will review the LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft project in May this year. Only then will it decide on accepting delivery of these aircraft. The Air Force has ordered 180 Mark 1A aircraft in two phases, but their delivery is being delayed.
5 LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft ready
The project was discussed in detail in December last year. HAL officials said the company has five LCA Mark 1A fighter jets in ready-to-fly condition.
Key components such as radar, electronic warfare equipment, and weapons are already integrated. These aircraft were supposed to be delivered last year, but the Air Force insisted on HAL delivering the aircraft in a fully operational condition.
Delivery was briefly delayed due to supply chain issues related to the engine. The Tejas Mk1A prototype performed its maiden flight on 17 October from HAL's Nashik plant.
Nashik has been developed as the third production line under the Tejas program, alongside two plants in Bengaluru. HAL has 15 aircraft in ready-to-fly condition and is expected to have around 20 aircraft ready by the end of the year.
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