Looking at procuring 350 aircraft over the next two decades: IAF chief
The Indian Air Force (IAF) would procure 350 more aircraft over the next two decades, including a fleet of Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA), said IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, on Wednesday. All efforts, he added, would be made to procure combat aircraft from indigenous sources.
Addressing the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) — the apex defence and aerospace industry body — in New Delhi, Bhadauria said, “The 123 Tejas fighters on order, including 83 improved Mark 1A fighters, will make the core of the aerospace industry in terms of budget and ecosystem.” The Tejas LCA, he added, has redefined military aviation in India. “The level of automation achieved by the support of the aerospace industry has given the strength to act fast, decide fast and react fast.”
