The development of the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) has suffered a setback as the initial operational clearance (IOC) for the aircraft was delayed by another year.

“As far as LCA is concerned, there was an initial IOC in January this year. We were supposed to get the IOC (final) by the end of this year. As we see it, there is a delay of almost an year in that,” IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne told a press conference.

The delay in IOC is expected to further affect the final operational clearance (FOC) of the aircraft, which was expected by 2012. Sources said the delay in IOC has taken place as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has not been able to complete certain trials of the aircraft.

On upgradation of the fleet of Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft, Browne said the Finance Ministry was going through the plan and the green signal is expected soon.

“As far as simulators are concerned, let me assure you that for all our new acquisitions, the simulator package is the part of the process itself, including MMRCA,” he said. While the simulators for Su-30 MKI fighter jets have become operational at three centres (Pune, Bareilly and Tezpur), the same for C-130J transport aircraft are expected to be delivered by next month.

“For each new induction which we will have in IAF, we will have a dedicated simulator. Same goes for the helicopters and the basic trainer aircraft Pilatus. For Hawk, simulator flying is part of the training stage,” he said.

Replying to a query on MMRCA as whether IAF will get more funds from the government in view of the high costs of both the shortlisted aircraft, Browne said “money is not an issue.”