{
  "id": 8154023,
  "title": "HAL eyes beginning delivery of LCA Mk-1A to Air Force by year-end | Exclusive",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/hal-eyes-beginning-delivery-of-lca-mk-1a-to-air-force-by-year-end",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-18T02:16:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hal-eyes-beginning-delivery-of-lca-mk-1a-to-air-force-by-year-end-light-combat-aircraft-exclusive-ravi-k-chairman-101789697459900.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) anticipates commencing the delivery of the light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the end of this year, according to its chairman and managing director Ravi K. In his first interview since assuming charge on May 1, K said the final radar and weapons-integration issues are being addressed and resolved within a month. The LCA Mk-1A is vital for bolstering the IAF's fighter fleet, which is facing a shortage. HAL is producing 24 Mk-1As annually, and even without engine availability, can fulfill the order as per the IAF's three to four-year timeline. The IAF has placed orders for 180 Mk-1A jets worth ₹1.1 lakh crore. HAL plans to deliver around 10 fighter jets to the IAF in FY 2026-27. The next-generation LCA Mk-2 programme is also progressing, and HAL has completed the front, center, and rear fuselage joining of the airframe. A joint production deal with GE Aerospace for the F414 engines for the LCA Mk-2 is under negotiation, involving 80% technology transfer.",
  "summary": "The Indian Air Force has placed two orders for 180 Mk-1A fighter jets worth a combined ₹1.1 lakh crore.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}