Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) hopes to increase the number of locally-produced line replacement units (LRU) in its Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.
Of the 344 line replacement units in the fighter, 165 are produced locally, says HAL in a statement. The airframer hopes to increase the number of LRUs by 80% to 275 within three years.
“It is clear that we have capability and the government will do everything possible to strengthen the knowledge base,” said Avanish Chander, scientific advisor to India’s defence minister.
“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 ecosystem.”
HAL chairman R.K. Tyagi added that HAL hopes to eventually produce 16 Tejas fighters annually from its Bengaluru factory.
HAL is currently producing the Tejas Mk. 1 for the Indian air force, which will eventually operate about 60 examples. Longer term, there are plans to develop a Mk. II variant, which will see the more powerful General Electric F414 powerplants replace the F404 used in the Mk. 1.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
