IAF orders 40 aircraft
The Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd expects to deliver the first weaponized version of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas in the fourth quarter of this year, it was announced ahead of the mega aviation show, Aero India 2019, to be held next month.
The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) has given approval to HAL to make Tajas Mk1, according to a media report on 4 Jan 2019.
“The actual final operational clearance, however, will take place only after extensive tests and trials,” a HAL spokesman told Press Trust of India.
The CEMILAC has accepted design documents of Aeronautical Development Agency which had designed and developed Tejas.
The Indian Air Force has ordered 40 LCAs.
Industry observers said such technologically-advanced aircraft developments will put India on the world map for making fighter jets and boost the “Make in India” initiative.
HAL along with Indian aviation industry will be displaying a wide range of technology-savvy products, including the LCAs at the Aero India 2019 to be held 20-24 February in Bengaluru. It would be attended by the global aviation industry. fiinews.com