The Defence Ministry has established a high-level panel to investigate delays in the production and deployment of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A, officials confirmed.

The decision follows concerns raised by Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who highlighted setbacks in the delivery schedule of these indigenous fighter jets. The IAF, facing a decline in operational squadrons, has been relying on the timely arrival of these aircraft to reinforce its fleet.

A total of 83 LCA Mk-1A jets were ordered, and the five-member committee, led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, has been tasked with identifying roadblocks in the programme and suggesting measures to speed up production. Officials stated that the panel has been given a month to submit its findings.

Focus on Private Sector Involvement

According to sources, the review will explore increasing private sector participation in aircraft manufacturing to accelerate deliveries. Over the next decade, the IAF is expected to operate around 350 LCA variants, including Mk-1, Mk-1A, and the upcoming Mk-2.

The LCA programme is a crucial part of India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative. The committee’s recommendations are expected to help streamline production and ensure the aircraft reach the IAF on schedule to meet operational requirements.

IAF Chief’s Concerns Over Delays

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has openly expressed dissatisfaction over the delays in the LCA programme.

During the recent Aero India show in Bengaluru, he was captured in a video stating that he had "no confidence" in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned aerospace firm responsible for producing the aircraft.

"I can only share our requirements and concerns. Right now, I have no confidence in HAL, which is not an ideal situation," ACM Singh was heard saying in a clip shared by defence news platform NationalDefence.

Earlier in January, during a lecture, he also pointed out that the IAF was still awaiting the completion of an order placed in 2010 for 40 Tejas Mk1 jets. As of now, only 36 have been delivered, with four yet to be handed over.

Additionally, the IAF is anticipating the delivery of 83 Tejas Mk-1A fighters, an improved version of the existing fleet, ordered in 2021.

HAL Responds to Delays

Following the IAF Chief’s remarks, HAL responded by stating that the delays were due to technical challenges rather than inefficiency. The company assured that efforts were underway to complete the pending deliveries soon.

With the Defence Ministry stepping in, the new committee is expected to play a key role in resolving production issues and expediting the supply of these much-needed aircraft to the IAF.