Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is aiming to deliver the first LCA Mark 1A fighter jet to the Indian Air Force by August 15 this year, amid concerns about delays in its delivery.
The delays, which have pushed back the original February-March timeframe, are expected to be partly resolved with GE committing to supply its GE-404 engines by September-October.
"There have been some software-related issues in integration. We are working towards addressing these issues and are now working towards delivering the first plane before August 15 this year," according to defence sources cited by ANI.
The entire schedule for delivering the initially ordered 83 LCA Mark1A aircraft has been significantly delayed by several months because the supply of GE-404 engines from the United States has been postponed, attributed to their focus on ‘other prioritized projects’.
Previously, Dr. Ash Narain Roy, Director of the Institute of Social Science (ISS), expressed to Sputnik India that India's aspirations to acquire advanced defense and other technologies, including from the US, could face setbacks.
He highlighted that strained Indo-US relations might potentially hinder or delay India's anticipated access to cutting-edge defense technologies.
The Indian Air Force leadership, including the Chief of Air Staff, has been closely monitoring progress on this significant project to ensure the aircraft is fully integrated and meets all necessary specifications.
Officials mentioned that the introduction of the indigenous fighter aircraft into the military will represent a significant stride towards achieving self-reliance in the defence sector. They also noted the possibility of inviting the Indian Prime Minister to the event.
The LCA Mark 1A project was initiated during PM Narendra Modi's tenure. An initial order for 83 planes, valued at INR 48,000 crore i.e. $ 5.74 billion, has already been placed, with plans to finalize another order for 97 planes worth approximately Rs 65,000 crore i.e., $ 7.78 billion by the end of this fiscal year.