New Delhi . In the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet Committee on Security on Tuesday, the Cabinet Committee on Security, purchased the 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter at Rs 62000 crore for the Indian Air Force (Indian Air Force) for the Indian Air Force (Indian Air Force). Approved Fighter Jets). This is expected to give strong support to Make in India initiative in the defense sector. The project is an important step towards promoting indigenous defense production and realizing the target of self -sufficient India. LCA Mark 1A is an advanced indigenous fighter aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which will further enhance the strength of the Indian Air Force.

First aircraft of first order can be found in October

It is worth noting that in February 2021, the Air Force ordered 83 LCA Mark 1A aircraft for Rs 48000 crore, but their delivery did not start even after four years. According to sources, the first aircraft of the first order can be found in October 2025. These aircraft will replace the old MiG-21. The fourth largest Air Force in the world will retire its final MiG-21 aircraft in September 2025, which will end the 62-year history. The ceremony will be held in Chandigarh. The first LCA Mark 1A from HAL’s Nashik production line will soon fill its first flight.

The first LCA Mark 1A will be assigned to the Air Force

According to sources, the first LCA Mark 1A in Bengaluru will be handed over to the Air Force in September 2025 after a delay of 18 months. HAL can produce 16 aircraft per year in Bengaluru and 24 in Nashik. However, the Indian Air Force is concerned with the slow progress of the LCA Mark 1A program, as it can affect war capacity. HAL has so far made seven aircraft for order of 83 aircraft, one of which has GE’s F404-Indian engine.

GE Aerospace assigned first engine to HAL in March 2025

The GE Aerospace assigned the first engine to HAL in March 2025 and promised to speed up the supply. The American company gave reasons for the delay in engine supply, but assured to increase production for Indian orders. In 2004, the F404-IN20 engine for LCA Mark 1 was selected and by 2016 GE had supplied 65 engines. The production line was closed due to lack of order, but GE resumed the production and supply chain after an order of 99 engines in 2021.

Air Force chief raised questions on HAL

In May 2025, the Air Force expressed disappointment over the delay in projects. Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said that he did not remember any project being completed on time. He described the deadline as a big problem. The Air Force has only 30 squadrons instead of 42.5, which has increased anxiety over capacity. Singh demanded immediate reform. In February 2025, he questioned HAL’s capacity and said that he did not trust the company. In response, HAL chief DK Sunil said that instead of responding to his criticism, LCA Mark 1A has to be handed over to the Air Force as soon as possible.