Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India on Friday pointed out that Tejas Light Combat Aircraft’s (LCA) Mark-I version has 53 shortfalls which have actually reduced its survivability and operational efficiency. The LCA project was planned in early 80s when the then defence strategist discussed about an aircraft which was expected to replace MiG 21 planes.
History
Interestingly, the LCA is one of the most ambitious projects of the Indian Air Force which was actually conceptualised in 1983, when Defence Research and Development Organisation got permission to develop and design the aircraft. The then government decided to work on a light weighted aircraft for the forces.
Just within a year, the government formed Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to manage the entire plan.
But after delays in the plan, the LCA was inducted into the Indian Air Force on January 17, 2015.
Delay Affects Expenditure
An air-born MiG 21 during regular shorty.
At present, apart from combat operations, the MiG 21 works as basic interceptors for the IAF which takes-off within few minutes after receiving any emergency call.
But the delay led to expenditure of huge amount on the upgradation of fleet of MiG 21 (which is now known as MiG 21 Bison) while Dassault Aviation’s Mirage 2000 aircrafts are still under the process.
According to the report of the CAG, the government spent around Rs 20,307 crore to upgrade the existing planes.
Future
The IAF received the first Tejas this year in January but a proper functional squadron is what IAF needs right now. After the CAG report, it’s more important that how the IAF and the manufacturer HAL are going to react over the present situation.