November 28, 2001

RAJYA SABHA

'33'

IMPACT OF LIFTING US SANCTIONS ON LCA PROJECT

        Parts related to the Light Combat Aircraft Project denied earlier due to US sanctions would now be available at a competitive price from various sources including those from USA after this lifting of the sanctions.

        There has been no serious impact on the project other than time delay.

        The first block of flight test phase involving 12 flights has been completed successfully on LCA technology demonstrator (TD1). Analysis of the test flight results indicate a good match between recorded flight data and performance estimates. The aircraft is being prepared for second block of flight tests. The flight testing of second technology demonstrator (TD2) is planned during 2001. Estimated time schedule to meet initial operational clearance is end of 2005 and the final operations clearance is end of 2008.

        Discussions have been initiated to re-negotiate contracts suspended due to sanctions imposed by USA in 1998.

        This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri RP Goenka in Rajya Sabha today.