Let me rephrase my question - Once the license production of MKI is over, can this facility be used for LCA manufacturing, I am speaking from tooling, supply chain etc perspective. earlier plan was to manufacture FGFA and this is nowhere in sight.
Hi Sri,
Short answer to your query is no.
MKI is produced in HAL - Nashik Division- the largest combat a/c mfg division in the country. This facility previously saw production and overhaul of Mig 21 (all version) Bis/Bison upgrades +overhauls, Mig23 assm/ Mig 27 production and overhaul, and currently produces the MKI and supports upgrade and repair efforts on Mig27's along with some subsystems for ISRO and pretty much every landing gear for aircrafts in service.
Nashik division is slated to receive the PAKFA t50 final assembly and PMF FGFA production, once MKI production run completes, which said, - we will still need to maintain the MKI tooling and overhaul hangars to support the MKI MLU and overhaul for next 30-35 years or more.
LCA on the other hand already has a eco-system developed in HAL- Banglore complex, this is not the same facility which has produced the Jaguar, AJT but a completely new LCA- Tejas division under the Banglore complex.
There is some buzz about opening another assembly line under private ownership, with common suppliers and production parts.
Around 1 SQN a year (18-20) are rolled out, the "Super" standard will be implemented from 2017 onwards.
Super is going to be a few a/c's. not all, the MLU will take longer, I have an inkling that we might see comonality in PMF FGFA radar with the MKI MLU upgrade
