New Delhi . The second center for MK1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) has been handed over to Fusez Assembly Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). LCA MK1A is an updated, multi-roll fighter jet that will replace the old MiG-21 of the Indian Air Force. The Indian private company VEM Technologies on Friday gave the second center to fuselage assembly HAL. Earlier, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) had assigned the first wing assembly set for LCA MK1A in Coimbatore to HAL. According to the statement of the Ministry of Defense, Defense Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar Verchuly attended this event. On behalf of HAL, General Manager (LCA Tejas Division) M. Abdul Salaam took the assembly from L&T’s Prison Manufacturing and Systems Complex Unit.

The Secretary of Defense Production praised HAL and L&T’s efforts towards self -sufficiency. He said that HAL is working closely with private sector companies, promoting them and improving their abilities. He expressed confidence to meet LCA Tejas’s production target and asked to focus on reducing foreign dependence. So far, LCA Tejas Division has found Air Intake Assembly from Laxmi Machine Works, Rear Fusez Assembly from Alpha Tokol, Loom Assembly to Loom Assembly, Tata Advanced Systems from Tata Advanced Systems, Finn and Rader Assembly from Tata Advanced Systems, Center Fushes Assembly from Vem Technologies and Wing Assembly from L&T.

Promotion of indigenization in defense sector
The self -sufficient is promoting Hal Aerospace and indigenization in the defense sector under the vision of India. HAL has partnered with over 6300 Indian vendors (including 2448 MSME). This has created thousands of skilled jobs and has created a strong domestic supply chain. In the last three years, HAL has ordered Rs 13763 crore with Indian vendors. Also, the complicated aircraft systems on different platforms and are emphasizing indigening of critical components.