Date:25/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/25/stories/2004122504661200.htm

National

Revised cost estimate for Kaveri engine cleared

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, DEC. 24. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) today gave its approval to revise the cost estimate for the Kaveri engine project for the country's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) to Rs. 2,800 crores.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the CCS chaired by the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, the Defence Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, said that Rs. 1,300 crores had already been spent on the project. It is being implemented by the Defence Research and Development Organisation since 1989.

Two prototypes of the LCA, being developed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore, have so far been test-flown, including at supersonic speeds, with American engines.

A versatile, lightweight and multi-role aircraft, the LCA is expected to be ready for induction into the Air Force in another three years.