The Indian Air Force (IAF) will induct indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) in to service by March 2011, according to Indian Defence Minister A K Antony.

A multimode radar is currently being integrated into the LCA weapon suite.

The air force has already inducted 20 LCAs into the initial operational clearance (IOC) stage, purchased from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in 2006.

The single-engine fighter with supersonic speed capability is an all weather, air superiority jet designed for air-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-sea combat roles.

Development of the aircraft was delayed for 15 years due to technical complexities and denial of critical technologies.