Operational clearance of LCA Tejas by 2010, induction by 2011: AK Antony

Bangalore: Indian defence minister AK Antony has reiterated that the indigenously designed, and produced, Tejas  Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) would be delivered to the Indian Air Force by 2011. Interacting with the media during his visit to the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, Antony said, "The final operational clearances for the indigenously developed aircraft will be given by 2010."

Antony, who also witnessed an air display of the latest HAL productions including the Tejas LCA, the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the Saras turbo-prop, said that the Tejas and the Dhruv would be prized inductions for the air force.

He also said that development of the Kaveri engine as well as the LCA prototype would take place simultaneously.

Expressing happiness over the functioning of the ALH, the Indian chief of air staff, Air Chief Marshal FH Major said the weaponisation process of the helicopter was on.