Tejas Aircraft: Govt promises to fast track production of Light Combat Aircraft

Enhancing production rate of LCA Tejas primarily through outsourcing of major modules to private partners with HAL moving to the role of lead integrator. Highlighting progress in production of Tejas Aircraft, MoS for defence Dr Subhash Bhamre informed the Rajya Sabha that two contracts were signed between IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procurement of 20 Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) standard aircraft on 31st March 2006 to be completed by December 2011.

In a written reply to Dr Banda Prakash yesterday, the MoS for defence further said that 20 Final Operational Clearance (FOC) standard aircraft on 23rd December 2010 to be completed by 2016.
 
The minister stated that out of total 20 IOC aircraft (16 fighters and 4 trainers), 9 fighters have been delivered by HAL to IAF till date, while the production of remaining 11 IOC aircraft (7 fighter + 4 trainer) are taken up at HAL. The aircraft is currently capable of undertaking Air Defence Operations and conventional ground attack with heavy bombs is feasible, he said.
 
Production for 20 FOC aircraft, will be taken up after FOC clearance by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for which current target is December 2018, he said.
 
He further said that to fast track the production of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and to achieve FOC clearance given by ADA, following initiatives have been taken:
 
1. For ramping up production capacity from existing 8 aircraft to 16 aircraft per annum, Government of India (GoI) has sanctioned Rs 1381.04 Crore in March, 2017.
 
2. Enhancing production rate of LCA Tejas primarily through outsourcing of major modules to private partners with HAL moving to the role of lead integrator.
 
3. Establishment of second line for structural and equipping activities at Aircraft Division, HAL.
 
4. Increase in number of jigs for Front fuselage, Centre fuselage, Rear fuselage and Wings.
 
5. Reduction in manufacturing cycle time through improved Supply Chain Management, learning and augmentation of manpower.
 
6. Modularization of electrical looms for reduction of cycle time of aircraft looming.
 
The minister's statement said that 40 aircraft (20 IOC & 20 FOC), Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared acquisition of 83 LCA Mk1A for IAF for which quotation has been submitted by HAL.
 
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Further, in order to bolster the fighter squadron strength, the government has also planned to manufacture fighter aircraft through strategic partnership model.