The Indian government has approved a Rp10 billion ($210 million) programme to develop a naval version of the Aeronautical Development Agency's (ADA) Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). Three prototypes are planned.
ADA director P Rajkumar says the agency has completed the project definition phase for the LCA naval variant. The agency aims to receive carrier operational clearance for a prototype by 2007.
Meanwhile, Hindustan Aeronautics - which is responsible for the LCA build programme - is preparing limited serial production of the LCA for the Indian air force. Service entry is expected in 2007.
Source: Flight International
