In a move to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force, the central government has sanctioned the purchase of 97 LCA Tejas Mark-1A fighter aircraft. The deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is estimated to be worth around 62,000 crore rupees. The Defence Acquisition Council provided the ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ (AoN) on November 30, 2023, marking a crucial step in the process.
Following the AoN, the Ministry of Defence issued a Request for Proposal in April 2024 for this acquisition. The delivery of the aircraft under this agreement is anticipated to begin from the financial year 2026-27, with the entire process spread over four to five years.
This order represents the second procurement of LCA Mark 1A fighter jets for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Previously, HAL was awarded a contract to build 83 aircraft. The Tejas Mark-1A, a light combat aircraft built with indigenous technology, will not only enhance the Air Force’s operational readiness but will also significantly contribute to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and indigenization goals in the defense domain.
The LCA Mark 1A is an upgraded variant of the Tejas, incorporating advanced avionics and radar systems. More than 60 percent of the components of the LCA Mark-1A are made in India. The Tejas, a single-engine light combat aircraft, was developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.