LCA order from IAF

The long-awaited order from the Indian Air Force for the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) has finally been awarded, HAL chairman, Mr N R Mohanty, announced 27 February at the Asian Aerospace 2002 exhibition.

The Indian Air Force has ordered a limited series production of eight aircraft with delivery of the first one in 2006.

In a further announcement Mohanty went on to say that the Intermediate Jet Trainer, the HJT-36 which will replace the Kiran for Stage II training, will have its first flight by the end of 2002 and is due for delivery in 2004.

By Simon Michell for Janes Defence Weekly