India to Acquire 97 LCA Mark 1A Fighter Jets Following Recent Approval

The Indian government has approved a project to acquire 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. The decision was made during a high-level meeting on August 19 and will allow Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce the aircraft. This marks the second major order for LCA Mark 1A fighters, following an earlier order for 83 aircraft, valued at roughly Rs 48,000 crore. This acquisition will help the Indian Air Force replace its MiG-21 fleet, which will be phased out in the coming weeks. The initiative is fully supported by the Defence Ministry and Air Headquarters. This indigenous fighter aircraft program aims to promote indigenization and support small and medium enterprises in the defense sector. The government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is emphasizing the revival of HAL, which is involved in building indigenous aircraft, helicopters, and their engines.