For those of you who couldn't comprehend the article and simply rant by looking at the number
"450", here's a breakdown for the ignorant lot
The 450 aircraft will be procured over the next several years with the phase out of Mig-21 & 27 and eventually Jaguars
- 40 LCA Mk-1: Currently in production
- 83 LCA Mk-1A
- 100+ MWF: Design has been freezed. Metal cutting for prototypes to start later this year but due to covid, might be delayed to early next year
- 100+ AMCA: Final design has been recently displayed in DefExpo 2020. Fifth gen tech, particularly sensor fusion, advanced avionics and stealth under development
- 70 HTT-40 Trainers: To support the current Pilatus fleet
This gives a total of around 400 aircraft which indicates atleast 2 more squadrons of Rafales might be procured
Also, due to cash crunch...IAF decided to scrap MMRCA 2.0 and instead opted for the 83 LCA Mk-1A as of now which would cost us less thn half
That's not 83 LCA over the next 15 years...it's LCA Mk-1, Mk-1A and MWF combined over the next 15 years. 83 is mentioned since IAF recently decided to scrap MMRCA 2.0 and signed the deal for 83 LCA Mk-1A