The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to induct the mkII version of the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA), Tejas, by 2015, and to develop an indigenous medium combat aircraft (MCA) in a few years.

The IAF had already approved the initial operational clearance (IOC) of the multirole fighter aircraft, though final operational clearance will be issued in about a year.

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Indian Defence Minister AK Antony said the Tejas would be inducted by 2012 with two initial squadrons of 40 aircraft.

“In another three years, LCA mkII will also be ready. So by 2015, LCA mkII will be inducted,” he added.

The IAF is expected to acquire five more squadrons of the fighter, apart from two squadrons for which orders have been placed.

The MCA is a twin-engined aircraft, and is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), reports IANS.

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