Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received a major boost with the Defence Ministry signing a ₹62,370 crore contract for the production of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A Tejas fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.
Deal Details and Delivery Timeline
The order, confirmed on Thursday, includes 68 single-seater fighter jets and 29 twin-seater trainer aircraft. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027–28 and will be completed over six years. Notably, over 64% of the components will be indigenously sourced, featuring 67 new homegrown systems.
Rajnath Singh’s Statement on Self-Reliance
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on X that this deal highlights the government’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat. He noted that the new Tejas jets will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s operational capabilities and reinforce India’s defence preparedness. Singh added that the contract reflects the trust of the armed forces in the indigenous Tejas platform, which is poised to become the backbone of the Air Force in the coming years.
Background and Strategic Importance
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had cleared this deal a month ago. This is HAL’s second major Tejas order after the February 2021 contract for 83 Mk1A jets worth ₹46,898 crore. The new Mk1A aircraft will gradually replace the aging MiG-21 fleet, which is set to retire on September 26. HAL has also secured the third GE-404 engine for the Tejas Mk1A and expects another engine delivery soon.
