IAF says LCA Mk-1A engine issues to clear in two months, testing on

The Indian Air Force expects technical issues delaying the LCA Mk-1A fighter to be resolved within two months, vice chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit said on Tuesday. Engines have been installed and thorough testing is under way before induction. "Two or three points are left to be proven, and I think in a month or two, we should be able to overcome that," Dixit said.

The IAF has ordered 180 Mk-1A jets worth Rs 1.1 lakh crore. Deliveries under the first 83-aircraft contract, signed in 2021, were due in March 2024 but missed because of delays in engine supplies from US firm GE Aerospace and certification issues. HAL chairman Ravi K had said deliveries will begin by end of 2026. Dixit also confirmed that invitations for the second Tarang Shakti air exercise in Jodhpur from September 26 have gone to 65 countries, eight have confirmed participation with aircraft.