Indian Air Force Set To Receive First LCA Mark 1A Fighter Jet By Independence Day — Here's All About It

In background of concerns over delay in the arrival of the first Tejas LCA Mark 1A fighter jet to the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is now aiming to provide the first aircraft by 15 August this year.

Crucially, delays in the overall delivery schedule are expected to be mitigated, as American engine manufacturer GE has assured that it will begin supplying its GE-404 engines by September-October this year.

"There have been some software-related integration issues. We are addressing these and are now working towards delivering the first plane before August 15 this year," defense sources have stated, as per a report by The Economic Times.

Initially, the aircraft was scheduled to be delivered to the IAF by February-March this year, but the timeline has been pushed back multiple times for various reasons.

The Indian Air Force is eager to receive a fully integrated aircraft with all the important specifications it has outlined.

Top IAF officials, including the Chief of Air Staff, have been closely monitoring the progress of this prestigious project. The Deputy Chief of Air Staff also recently visited HAL hangars to review the program. HAL conducted the first flight of the fighter a few months ago.

The overall delivery programme of the 83 LCA Mark 1As initially ordered has already been delayed by several months due to the postponed supply of GE-404 engines by the Americans, who prioritised other projects.

However, the American manufacturer has now assured that it will start supplying one or two engines per month from September-October. HAL is urging them to expedite deliveries and increase the number of engines supplied each month, according to the same report.

The induction of the indigenous fighter aircraft into the IAF will be a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in the military sector, and the Prime Minister may be invited to the event, officials said.

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