(a) whether the Indian Air Force (IAF) has received the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA);
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the details of the working condition / status of these aircraft, compared to others; and
(c) the details of the benefits for Indian Defence Forces as a result of induction of LCAs?
MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
????? ????? ?????? (??. ????? ?????)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Four LCA Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) Series Production Aircraft have so far been delivered to the Indian Air Force by HAL. The LCA is being further developed as LCA Mk 1A, with better capabilities and better avionics with many maintainability improvements.
(c) Induction of the indigenously developed LCA would help arrest the drawdown of fighter squadron strength of IAF. The experience and expertise gained from the LCA programme is expected to provide a boost to our indigenous capability to develop a fighter aircraft.
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