SOURCE: AFI
In a significant development for India’s indigenous fighter aircraft program, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk II is set to take flight by March 2026. This timeline was confirmed during a high-level review meeting held at DRDO Bhawan, attended by top officials from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The rollout of the LCA Mk II is scheduled for post-August 2025, followed by nearly three years of intensive developmental flight testing. The aircraft is expected to achieve Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) by the end of 2029, paving the way for production commencement in 2030 and deliveries from 2032 onwards.
The IAF has expressed its commitment to procuring 120 LCA Mk II jets in the initial phase, with the order likely to escalate to 180 units by 2035. This ambitious acquisition plan underscores the IAF’s confidence in the LCA Mk II as a potent addition to its fighter fleet.
The LCA Mk II is poised to be a game-changer for the Indian aerospace industry, showcasing the nation’s capability to develop cutting-edge military platforms indigenously.