Need to diversify production lines of LCA to meet demand: IAF Chief

As the Indian Air Force awaits deliveries of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft -Mk1A and India markets the fighter for exports, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has said there is the issue of matching up production capability with requirements. Japan fielded three F-2 fighters while US deployed six A-10 Thunderbolt close air support aircraft, three F-16s in addition to force multipliers. Noting the complexity of different communication protocols and data links during the exercise, the Air Chief said the biggest lesson from the exercise was the need to speed up procurement and set up a common datalink to be able to communicate with other countries using different systems. Noting the hectic exercise calendar of various countries, ACM Chaudhari announced that Tarang Shakti would be made a biennial feature, “We need to deconflict with other exercises that take place across the globe so we can have more participating countries.” Stating that Exercise Tarang Shakti underscores the growing stature of Indian armed forces, Mr. Rajnath Singh said the “resolve of making India Aatmanirbhar in Defence is demonstrated by Ex Tarang Shakti.” He said the country has transformed from being only an importer of arms and equipment to a nation which today exports arms and equipment to about 90 countries.