Secretary of Defence Production Sanjeev Kumar said that the deliveries of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will begin by March, adding that the production of the jets will be streamlined by next year.
He confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is working closely with its US counterparts to expedite deliveries of these engines, ensuring the smooth execution of the LCA Tejas Mk1A program.
“We are working with our American partners to ensure the supply of engines is streamlined by 2025-26,” he said, indicating that the longstanding issue of engine procurement is being actively addressed.
The Aero India 2025 airshow, in its 15th edition, is set to be the largest ever, covering 42,000 square meters with participation from 931 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that more than 90 countries are attending, and 30 Defence Ministers, Air Chiefs, and Secretaries from 43 countries are attending the event. The event will highlight India’s increasing defence manufacturing capabilities while creating global partnerships.
Kumar made the statement when India was exploring options for fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) to supplement its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project.
Two other notable aircraft to be displayed at Aero India include the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35. Both are on the list for consideration in the IAF’s more comprehensive plans to modernize its fleet.
Meanwhile, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh recently took part in a sortie aboard a twin-seater LCA Tejas alongside Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, a move hailed by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan as a testament to the armed forces’ confidence in the indigenous fighter jet.
India’s defence production sector has seen remarkable growth, with Singh announcing that domestic defence production has already crossed Rs 1.27 lakh crore and is expected to surpass Rs 1.60 lakh crore by 2025-26. Defence exports have also reached a record Rs 21,000 crore, with projections to exceed Rs Rs 30,000 crore in the next two years.
