The Defence Minister AK Antony giving a detailed reply on the status of the Light Combat Aircraft being jointly developed by the DRDO and HAL. Antony said major breakthroughs in the project have been achieved in recent times and he is confident that “it will be in the sky within a few years.” He said the Indian Air Force, which was not willing to accept even one of this aircraft earlier, has now decided to receive two squadrons, indicating their confidence in the aircraft.

The Defence Minister admitted that there are still problems with the high-powered Kaveri engine and negotiations are on for a suitable partnership. As a result, development of a fully operational Kaveri engine may take some more time but “we will not abandon the project,” he declared.

Some 100 defence-related organisations, academic institutions and research bodies are associated with the programme.