In a significant development for the indigenous fighter aircraft programme, the 4.5 generation plus LCA Mark 2 fighter jets will start flying by March 2026 and its mass production will begin by 2029.
In a boost to the Make in India initiative, Indian Air Force Deputy Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, inaugurated Chaff Plant at Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), Nagpur on July 31.
Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit visited Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in Telangana's Hyderabad in a two-day visit from July 23-24, an Indian Air Force (IAF) statement sai
Led by Indian Air Force Deputy Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit and American Brig Gen Joel W Safranek, the co-chairs of the group, the discussions centred on leveraging the respective strengths of both partner nations to enhance defence cooperation and co-production.
Dixit highlighted the critical need for infrastructure development, skilled workforce, and technology leadership to propel the nation towards self-reliance in aerospace and defense manufacturing.
Ace fighter pilot Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the new Deputy Chief of Air Staff. He will be in charge of the modernisation of the force, officials said.