Expedite supply of Light Combat Aircraft to Indian Air Force: Parl panel

New Delhi: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Defence has expressed concern over the existing fighting force levels of the Indian Air Force. It has also recommended that theaterisation of armed forces should be completed setting pragmatic targets. A report of the committee had been submitted to Parliament.

As per the committee, it was informed by the MoD that delivery of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mark 1A fighter aircraft will commence from February 2024 and complete by January 2029 and the case for procurement of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) is under progress.

Expressing their concern over the existing force level in the Air Force, the committee desired that “all-out efforts be made to expedite supply of LCA”.

The committee urged the MoD to make a time-bound schedule. The committee noted that plan for theaterisation of armed forces, or creation of integrated theatre commands has been considered by the forces at the highest level.

The report said “they recommend theaterisation of armed forces should be completed by setting out pragmatic targets and if required in a phased manner”. This assimilation would definitely help in the optimal utilisation of resources of armed forces and would bring down the defence expenditure in future, it said.

(Defence Watch– India’s Defence News centre that places the spotlight on Defence Manufacturing, Defence Technology, Strategy and Military affairs is on Twitter. Follow us here and stay updated.)