The Indian Air Force is poised for a major enhancement with the government’s approval of a deal to procure 97 LCA Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets. The contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited amounts to approximately 62,000 crore rupees. The Defence Acquisition Council had granted the ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ (AoN) on November 30, 2023.
The Ministry of Defence then issued a Request for Proposal in April 2024 for the purchase. The delivery of these aircraft is planned to begin in the fiscal year 2026-27, with the complete delivery expected within 4 to 5 years.
This marks the second significant order for the LCA Mark 1A fighter jets for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Previously, HAL was contracted to manufacture 83 aircraft. The Tejas Mark-1A, a light combat aircraft, is designed and built indigenously. This acquisition will strengthen the Air Force’s squadron and will contribute to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision and indigenous manufacturing within the defense sector.
The LCA Mark 1A is an improved version of the Tejas, featuring advanced avionics and radar systems. Over 60 percent of the parts and equipment used in the LCA Mark-1A are manufactured within India. The Tejas is a single-engine light combat aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.