After LCA Tejas, DRDO to develop Medium Combat Aircraft

Bangalore, Feb 13 -- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) plans to develop a medium combat aircraft (MCA) with stealth features and an unmanned combat aircraft vehicle (UCAV). The twin engine MCA will weigh 19-20 tonnes. The Aeronautics Development Agency (ADA) of the DRDO has already developed the light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas with the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. ADA will develop the MCA with the Indian Air Force. “We feel confident that after the LCA it will be the MCA and followed by the UCAV. It is possible to have an MCA with a twin engine, with less weight and improved electronics. It will also have an inbuilt weapon load for stealth reasons. It is doable and it is a challenge,” said M. Natarajan, DRDO chief and scientific adviser to the defence minister at Aero India 2009. “We will have an air force LCA, naval LCA and LCA twin seater trainer. Five to 10 years down the line, the role of the (LCA) trainers will be superior to the hawks (advanced jet trainers),” he added. The Indian Air Force has placed an order for 20 Tejas lightweight multi-role planes, and may increase the number to 40.