India has found an ideal replacement for the MiGs which have for decades been the mainstay of the country’s air defence through its indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas. Defence Minister A.K. Antony presided over the Release to Service Certificate of the country’s own LCA to the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne at a function in Bangalore.
The event marked the final success of three decades of efforts to make a fighter aircraft of international standards. The LCA will reportedly go into immediate production and two squadrons comprising 40 aircraft would be raised by the Indian Air Force.
This would be completed by 2015 and 2017 respectively and they are expected to be based in Sulur Strategic Air base in Tamil Nadu. By next year mid-air refuelling capability is expected to be added to the aircraft.
And sources say beyond visual range (BVR) missiles would be installed before it goes for Final Operational Clearance in December 2014. This would add a lot of strength to the Indian Air Force in the southern region.
