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.
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