Correct. MK1A would make those 6 squadrons.
LCA Mk2 would not see the light.
Dadeechi just clear your mind brother.
1. F-16 when was designed was planned to be replace by 1990 by USAF, but due to the funds many upgradation plans like Phalcon SLEP program was started to be able to useful as 4th Gen. fighter plane. For the customer many MLU plans like PEACE-DRIVE -1/2 program was started. Yes there are few sales of F-16 like Block 52 and block 60 to some countries, but this plane future is not more, in the light of F-35, for which so many countries are waiting in line in desperation to replace their F-16's. And after F-35, the whole concentration of the OEMs would be on F-35, means no further substantial upgradation of the teen.
2. How can IAF could induct F-16 when it was rejected during MMRCA.
3. Mr. Parikar statement, which was twisted to the death by every possible corner, was actually -- he was referring to the MK-1 of N-LCA.
4. There is no doubt that LCA MK-2 won't be build. Actually MK-2 would be the test bed for our AMCA, and lot of things have to be achieved regarding Avionics for the 5th Gen. Bird.
5. Regarding 5th Gen Stealth Bird -- To create a stealth Airframe is not difficult, but the real challenge is in the Power Plant and the Avionics.
6. For the Avionics -- Google for the MDPU, the next generation avionics artitecture and India is fortunate that it will have 3 birds that have such technology aka Mirrage 2000-5 UPG, Rafale F3, and Hawk Trainer. This is also used in F-22, and the F-35.
7. With new technology been developed, you don't need MIG-27 for the ground attack, and CAS platform, rather a Combat HAWK been planned by BAe and HAL is more than enough, which could drop the LGP bomb from high altitude, guided by laser designator held by a soldier on the forward front.
8. N-LCA Tejas MK-1 or LCA Trainer equipped with IRST device on its nose instead of FCR Radar could also be useful, why can't that is the new line of fighter jet.
All MIG series would be decommissioned by 2024 when LCA MK2 is supposed to be ready. There is a reason why a compromise has been reached and MK1A is being pushed.
Really --- MIG-29 UPG ??
As I said MK2 in the current configuration does not have any significance. They need to drastically change the requirements to keep it relevant. They could still call it MK2 for Political correctness, if need be.
MK-2 is actually the Naval variant of LCA.
But Mk.1 & Mk.1A already started to replace MiG-27.
Current configuration of MK2? Did the first prototype even flown? How you know Mk2 configuration? Or you have some very deep relations in ADA?
Already explained above, Combat Hawk can fulfill MIG-27 Role.