The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft, including 68 fighter variants and 29 twin-seaters, valued at ₹62,370 crore (excluding taxes) under the Buy (India-IDDM) category.
It is the second such contract awarded to the state-run aerospace behemoth, reported PTI.
In February 2021, the defence ministry sealed a ₹48,000 crore deal with HAL for procurement of 83 Tejas MK-1A jets for the IAF.
A contract was signed with the HAL for 97 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft- Mk1A with associated equipment for the IAF at a cost of ₹62,370 crore (excluding taxes), the ministry said.
The advanced jet will feature Swayam Raksha Kavach and control actuators, with over 64 per cent indigenous content and 67 new indigenous items, it said.
The deliveries will start in 2027-28, it said.
The single-engine Mk-1A will be a replacement for the IAF’s MiG-21 fighters.
The IAF is looking at inducting the warplanes as the number of its fighter squadrons have gone down to 31 from officially sanctioned strength of 42.
Tejas is a multi-role fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments. It has been designed to undertake air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike roles.
