Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Production
The Indian defence ministry has initiated steps to streamline the production of indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) to enhance the Air Force's combat capabilities. This involves increasing private sector participation in the production process.
High-Level Committee Formation
- The committee was formed under Defence Minister and is chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
- Includes representatives from stakeholders like the Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- Tasked with submitting findings within a month regarding production capacities, constraints, and requirements.
Current Production and Challenges
- HAL is producing LCA Mk1A jets at Bengaluru and Nashik facilities.
- An order for 83 jets worth ₹48,000 crore is placed but deliveries are delayed by about a year due to jet engine supply issues from GE.
- Delays have been noted by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
Private Sector Involvement
- HAL outsources significant work to private firms such as MTAR Hyderabad, Indo MIM Bengaluru, L&T, Godrej, and Azad Engineering.
- The expert panel will explore enhancing this outsourcing and setting up a new production line potentially managed by a private entity.
- Considered essential due to an additional order for 97 LCA Mk1A jets.
Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme
- The government is planning substantial private sector involvement in the AMCA programme.
- Production will be managed by a special purpose vehicle including a private partner, HAL, and the Aeronautical Development Authority.
- HAL may offer its Nashik facilities to private partners for manufacturing AMCA in the future.