In a significant boost to India’s indigenous fighter aircraft program, 4.5 generation plus LCA Mark 2 fighter jets
India’s Plan For Advanced Fighters Jets
In a significant boost to India’s indigenous fighter aircraft program, 4.5 generation plus LCA Mark 2 fighter jets are slated to commence flights by March 2026, with mass production expected to begin by 2029. Furthermore, the mass production of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft a fifth-generation fighter, is anticipated to start by 2035, according to defense officials. These timelines emerged during a high-level meeting presided over by DRDO chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat and IAF Deputy Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit.
The LCA aircraft are scheduled to be powered by American GE engines; LCA Mark 1 and Mark 1A by GE-404 engines, while the LCA Mark 2 will utilize the more advanced GE-414, manufactured in India with indigenous content. The Indian government aims to replace the primary fleets, including the Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29s, with over 250 LCA Mark 2 planes over the next 10-15 years.
Additionally, the Indian Air Force has placed an order for 180 LCA Mark 1A planes. Officials indicated that the production of the LCA Mark-1A is likely to be completed by 2032. The Tejas Mark 2 will feature significant indigenization, with the Uttam radar as its primary sensor. An indigenous AESA radar, also under development, is part of the upgrade program for the Russian-origin Su-30 MKI fighters. The CCS recently approved the design and development of the AMCA aircraft.
The LCA Mark 2 will be a completely new aircraft with a more powerful, advanced engine, while the Tejas Mark 1A is powered by the GE-404 engine.
The indigenous light combat aircraft Tejas Mark 1A is planned to be deployed at the Nal Airbase in Bikaner, Rajasthan, near the Pakistan border.
The first squadron of aircraft is planned for deployment at the Nal Airbase, from where it can address the western adversary.
