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NEW DELHI (BNS): Indian Air Force will induct the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas after the initial operational clearance in December this year.

The aircraft will have both naval and air force version, according to a statement by the Indian Ministry of Defence.

A contract for procurement of 20 Tejas in Initial Operational Clearance configuration was signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd on March 31, 2006. These light combat aircraft are likely to be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) by March 2011.

"In addition to the above contract for 20 LCA, a proposal for procurement of an additional 20 LCA in Final Operational Clearance configuration is being progressed. The specifications of the LCA are as per the Air Service Requirements framed by the IAF,” Indian Defence Minister AK Antony told the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

The LCA, a project of Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), is the first supersonic fighter craft manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The naval version of the LCA would be attached to aircraft carrier Gorshkov once it is ready for operations. HAL will manufacture 20 LCA for the Air force and another 20 for the Navy.