INDIA HAS turned to Israel in an attempt to rescue its faltering Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme. Talks between the two sides are under way about the Israelis providing electronic systems and know-how.
The discussions are taking place between Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and India's state-owned Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the management organisation for the LCA programme.
According to sources, India is asking for help in terms of "hardware and know-how." The two sides are also believed to be discussing Israeli involvement in the flight test programme.
The aircraft is intended to replace the air force's aging fleet of Mikoyan MiG-21s in the fighter/ground-attack role if a series of technical problems, which have delayed the programme for years can be overcome. The roll out of the LCA is expected in the next few months.
IAI is expected to draw on the experience and technology it gained on the abortive Lavi next-generation fighter programme of the 1980s. The company has already show itself willing to use Lavi technology on the export market. The part US-funded project is being drawn upon in the development of a next-generation fighter for China.
Along with Israeli technical assistance, the ADA is also looking for financial and marketing partners for the LCA programme. It has previously held talks with British Aerospace, Northrop, Saab and Dassault, but so far without success.
Source: Flight International
