Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has indicated that Light Combat Aircraft MK 1A could be inducted in a newly raised squadron in one of the Indian Air Force operational bases, early next year. Mr. Chaudhari reviewed the status of the Light Combat Aircraft programme. 

Air Chief Marshal stressed that given the nature of this project of national importance, it is required that all stakeholders adopt a collaborative approach towards its success. The programme has been the harbinger of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives of the nation. He said, it is a flag bearer of India's self-reliance in the aerospace sector. During the review, it was brought out that all contracted fighter variants of the LCA MK 1 had been delivered to the IAF. 

Officials of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) assured the Air Chief Marshal of the timely delivery of the contracted twin-seaters in the coming months.

Chairman and Managing Director of HAL C.B. Ananthakrishnan assured that the deliveries of this advanced variant of the LCA would commence by February 2024. The Defence Ministry said, with timely deliveries of the more capable variant, the LCA MK 1A is likely to see increased deployments at forward bases.