India approves more capable LCA Mk2 fighter
A scale model of a Light Combat Aircraft Mk2, with HAL responsible for its design and production. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
HAL will design and develop the ultimate version of the Tejas - the Mk2 - for the Indian Air Force.
A green light for India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 – supported by an allocation of $1.4 billion for developing prototypes, testing and certification – officially sets the ball rolling for a long and challenging development.
The initial requirement will be for six squadrons for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Inching towards the Rafale’s capability level, the LCA Mk2 ‘is a different beast compared to the LCA Mk1,’ said a military observer.
The aircraft has a higher-thrust F414 engine, but will have to go through years of trials, with the prototype only ready by 2027 at the earliest. Series production
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
- Free magazine subscription to all our titles
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
- 10-year news archive access
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
More from Air Warfare
-
![Nexter selected to develop loitering munition for French military]()
Nexter selected to develop loitering munition for French military
Nexter is teaming up with a French UAV manufacturer to develop a fragmentation warhead for a fixed-wing loitering munition with a 40-minute endurance.
-
![Australia receives an additional Growler and considers BBJ replacement]()
Australia receives an additional Growler and considers BBJ replacement
The RAAF has returned its Growler fleet to full strength, plus replacements are also needed for two 737 BBJ aircraft used for VVIP transportation.
