The business partners working on India's prestigious Light Combat Aircraft - a lightweight multirole fighter jet - have resolved to ensure the indigenous content of components used in the aircraft touches 80 percent in next three years at the indigenous strategic partners' meet of LCA organised by HAL.

According to SA to RM, Avinash Chander, it is possible to achieve such a goal since 165 out of 344 Line Replacement Units (LRUs) are already made in India. In his address to the vendors, representing around 50 companies, he pointed out that LCA dream has been achieved in-spite of denial of technology.

"It is clear that we have capability and the government will do everything possible to strengthen the knowledge base. Even funding can be provided and national facilities (such as testing) may be shared with private players to bring down costs to create a vibrant aerospace eco-system", he added.

Dr RK Tyagi, Chairman HAL said the production of LCA is on track with the creation of dedicated production division at HAL Bangalore. "We are aiming to roll-out 16 LCAs every year from the initial target of eight per year. Having specific business partners on such an important project has been of great help", he added.

Dr K Tamilmani, Director General (Aeronautical Systems) and PS Subramanyam, Director, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) also spoke on the occasion. T Suvarna Raju, Director (Design and Development, HAL) in his address said coming together of stakeholders is necessary to understand and share the knowledge since India is poised to have its own fighter aircraft comparable to the best in the world.
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