'First delivery of LCA Tejas by March 2024, project timeline 9 years': HAL chief

• HAL chief R Madhavan spoke on the timeline of delivery of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Madhavan said they will deliver the first aircraft to Indian Air Force by March 2024. "As per contract, we are to start delivery of LCA by 36 months from today. The first delivery of Light Combat Aircraft will be by March 2024. In the first year, there will be delivery of two aircraft which will be ramped up to 16. Total supply time, post first delivery is 6 years that makes the total timeline for 9 years," he said. This comes after the Defence Ministry handed over the LCA Tejas contract to HAL at Aero India show in Bengaluru. HAL to manufacture 83 LCA mark 1A aircraft which is the advanced version of Tejas.