INDIA'S HINDUSTAN Aeronautics (HAL) rolled out the technology demonstrator of its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project on 17 November, some 13 years after the programme began.

The first flight of the aircraft is not expected for another 12 months, and the future of the whole programme is far from assured.

HAL is building one other technology demonstrator, together with a further two prototypes of the LCA, which are also funded by the Government.

The LCA is intended eventually to replace the Indian air force's Mikoyan MiG-21bis Fishbed. Some 200 aircraft are required.

Source: Flight International