In a major boost to India’s air power and indigenous defence manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence has inked a ₹62,370-crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A and associated equipment.
The new order includes 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seat trainers, with deliveries beginning in 2027-28 and completed within six years. This comes just a day before the Indian Air Force (IAF) phased out its last MiG-21 squadron, underscoring the urgent need for modern replacements.
The LCA Mk-1A jets will feature over 64% indigenous content, integrating advanced systems such as the Uttam AESA radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite, and upgraded actuators. The programme will also support a vendor base of around 105 Indian companies, furthering the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) push.
This deal follows an earlier ₹48,000-crore contract for 83 LCA Mk-1A jets signed in 2021. While deliveries from that batch were delayed due to engine supply bottlenecks from GE Aerospace, the first aircraft is now set to be handed over to the IAF in October after completing weapons trials with ASRAAM and Astra missiles.
HAL currently has the capacity to build over 24 aircraft annually. Ten LCA Mk-1As are already ready for induction, and another 14 are in advanced stages of production. A separate $1 billion deal with GE Aerospace for 113 F404-IN20 engines is also expected soon to power the new fighters.
The IAF, which operates around 30 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.5, is under pressure to boost numbers amid regional security challenges. Defence experts say faster induction of fighters, mid-air refuellers, and AEW&C systems is critical to maintaining combat readiness.
With this deal, the LCA Tejas Mk-1A is set to become the backbone of India’s future fighter fleet, replacing ageing Soviet-origin aircraft and strengthening indigenous aviation capabilities.
