By Staff Correspondent
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS), embarked on a visit to the National Flight Test Centre, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Tejas Division to evaluate the advancements made in the country’s indigenous combat aircraft projects. Renowned for his expertise as an Experimental Test Pilot, AM Dixit has been actively championing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) pursuit of self-reliance in combat aircraft development and manufacturing, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
During his inspection, the IAF Deputy Chief took to the skies in the Series Production Trainer-01 of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, currently undergoing final developmental test sorties. This hands-on experience was meant to offer him a firsthand understanding of the aircraft’s capabilities. It is worth noting that the IAF currently operates the LCA Mk 1 and has an order for 83 LCA Mk 1A aircraft.
At the Tejas Division, AM Dixit engaged in detailed discussions with the HAL team regarding the production status of the trainer aircraft and the delivery schedule for the LCA Mk 1A. Additionally, the DCAS is scheduled to tour the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand Production Line, where he will assess the progress in manufacturing the indigenous combat helicopter. Notably, the delivery of 10 LCH Limited Series Production aircraft to the IAF is reaching completion, while preparations for commencing the production of the Series Production aircraft, encompassing 145 units for the IAF and Indian Army, are underway.
