Source : IgMp Bureau
HAL to launch 3rd LCA Tejas production line to increase production capacity to 32 jets per year from 2025-26
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has announced that it will inaugurate the third assembly line of Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) on 7th of April 2023 and it has already started procurement of tools, trolleys and fixtures for the Tejas aircraft.
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) division currently has the capability to roll out 8 Tejas aircraft per year the modified key run aircraft hangar can roll out four Tejas per year. The second assembly line can roll out 8 Tejas per year and this third assembly line will have the ability to produce 12 Tejas aircraft per year that will bring the total production capacity to 32 Tejas aircraft per year from 2025-26.
Early delivery of LCA Mark1A
HAL may even look for completing the delivery of LCA Tejas Mark 1A in 3 years. During the inauguration of LCA Division II in Bengaluru, EP Jayadeva, General Manager of HAL’s LCA Tejas Division told NDTV that:
“It will take us about five years to complete the order. But we have set a three-year target. We are also setting up facility for trainer (aircraft) assembly,” he said, adding that the focus will be on first supplying the trainer jets.
50 More LCA Mark1A
In February 2023, it was also reported that the Indian Air Force may get additional 50 LCA Tejas Mark1A as a part of Mission 470. If HAL is able to complete the delivery of 83 LCA Tejas Mark1A earlier than the slated timeline as per contract, it can further proceed with the production of 50 LCA Tejas Mark1A – if the order for the same has been given by MoD.
Squadron Phase out plan
This does seem to be a sensible approach as there has been significant delay in the MRFA & LCA Mark-2 program. The IAF squadron strength has gone down to 31 as the Srinagar based MiG-21 Bison squadron was phased out last year.
By 2024, the IAF has plans to phase out three squadrons of MiG-21 Bison. This will be followed by the phasing out of six squadrons of the ageing Jaguar fighter fleet starting 2025 and continuing till 2032. By late next decade three squadrons each of the upgraded Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 fleets would be scheduled to be phased out.
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