India Allocates $217 Million to Double Yearly Production of LCA Fighter Jets

The Government of India has approved investment of $217.7 million to fast track the production of its domestically manufactured Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) 'Tejas' from existing eight aircraft to 16 per annum.

“To ensure timely and enhanced production of LCA aircraft, HAL has established second line for structural and equipping activities. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has established contracts for outsourcing of major modules namely Front fuselage, Centre fuselage, Rear fuselage, Wing and various sub-assemblies to private partners,” Subhash Bhamre, Minister of State for Defense said in a written statement in the Lower House of the parliament Wednesday.

HAL has already started the development activities. Currently India is spending INR 2702 crores ($426 million) for production of 20 Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) aircraft and INR 5989 crores ($944 million) for 20 Final Operational Clearance (FOC) aircraft. Six aircraft are produced so far.