Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), a defense public sector undertaking, has produced 16th Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) as per the target till March 31. State-owned aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has completed production of the 16th Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas. HAL has ordered for 40 LCAs (16 fighters each in Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) and Final Operational Clearance (FOC) configuration and eight trainers) from Indian Air Force (IAF), with the customer flights are expected to be completed by the end of this month. The aircraft was inducted into the IAF's 'Flying Daggers' squadron on July 1, 2016. The first aircraft in FOC configuration may roll-out by the end of this calendar year.

also read: Rival kills woman's husband To 'avenge' defeat at the hands of woman

The production of LCA commenced in 2014 with a current production capacity of eight aircraft per annum. A second production line has been established at Aircraft Division (Bangalore Complex), which is carrying out structural assembly, final assembly and equipping of the aircraft. HAL had recently received drawings and documents related to FOC with limited clearance for LCA (Tejas) from the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). LCA demonstrated its combat capability in the IAF’s ‘Gagan Shakti’ exercise by firing the Air-to-Air BVR Derby missile.

also read: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj stepped up pressure on Pakistan on…