Unfavorable news for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China, as the IAF gears up to strengthen its capabilities with the initiation of trials for LCA Tejas fighter commence in…
Unfavorable news for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China, as the IAF gears up to strengthen its capabilities with the initiation of trials for LCA Tejas fighter jets set to commence in…
The HAL will also undertake evaluations of the domestically produced Astra beyond-visual-range missile, the aircraft's homegrown Electronic Warfare suite, and the Israeli Elta radar system. This situation will undoubtedly displease Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh.
The state-affiliated airplane manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is slated to kick off trials for the new Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) in January 2025. Furthermore, the HAL will test the indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range missile, the locally developed Electronic Warfare suite, and the Israeli Elta radar. This situation will undoubtedly displease Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh.
Insiders familiar with the developments have indicated that HAL is expected to hand over these aircraft to the Indian Air Force by March 31 following the completion of the certification process. In addition, HAL is engaged in discussions with the American firm GE Aerospace to facilitate the expedited delivery of 404 engines for the new aircraft.
As per reports, a delegation of senior officials plans to visit the United States to gain firsthand insight into the production of the 404 engines. GE Aerospace has yet to provide a delivery timeline for the 99 engines that were ordered. The company informed the Indian delegation, led by DK Sunil, that the production challenges have been addressed, and the first unit will be available by March 2025.
A significant number of LCA Mk-1As will be supplied to the Indian Air Force alongside reserve engines, and once the 404 engines from GE Aerospace are available, the reserve engines will be replaced with the 404 engines.
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