IAF Initiates Process Of Inducting LCA

The Indian Air Force has initiated the process of inducting the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’ and has placed an order for 40 aircraft with HAL.
The Initial Operational Clearance-1 (IOC-1) for the aircraft was achieved in January, 2011.
The advance version of the LCA, Tejas Mark-II aircraft is under development with an alternate higher powered engine with considerable improvements. Final cost assessment will be available only after the development phase of Mark-II is completed.
Rs 11845.20 crore has been sanctioned by the government to Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the development of the LCA and so far a total expenditure of Rs 5051.46 crore has been incurred.
The Indian Air Force plans to induct six LCA squadrons by the end of the 13th Plan.
When asked a question on deployment of IAF helicopters in foreign countries, Defence Minister A. K. Antony said the the information can not be divulged in the interest of strategic concerns.