New Delhi: In a major step to boost indigenous defence manufacturing, the government on Tuesday approved the acquisition of 97 LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF), in a deal worth ₹62,000 crore.
The final approval was given at a high-level meeting, paving the way for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to begin production, defence sources said. This will be the second major order for the indigenous fighter after the government’s earlier contract for 83 aircraft valued at around ₹48,000 crore.
Officials said the new fleet will replace the ageing MiG-21s, which are set to be phased out in the coming weeks. The move is also expected to provide a significant push to India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, generating large-scale opportunities for small and medium defence enterprises across the country.
The Tejas Mark 1A is an advanced variant, featuring upgraded avionics and radar systems, with an indigenous content of over 65%. HAL has already been entrusted with building a range of indigenous fighters, helicopters, and engines, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally backing the programme. Notably, PM Modi had earlier flown in a Tejas trainer aircraft — the first-ever sortie by an Indian Prime Minister in a combat jet.
The plan to expand Tejas orders was first revealed by then Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari in Spain, highlighting India’s intent to scale up indigenous fighter production.
The LCA programme has become a flagship of India’s aerospace self-reliance, with HAL also eyeing contracts for over 200 LCA Mark 2s and a similar number of fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) in the future.
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