Source: Defence Image India
September 25 — The Ministry of Defence has contracted Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at ₹62,370 crore (excluding taxes), under the Buy (India-IDDM) clause for indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured platforms.
Agreement Details
HAL will provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a total of 68 fighter aircraft and 29 twin-seater trainer aircraft, as stated in the agreement. HAL expects delivery to commence in 2027-28, with deliveries happening over multiple years. This is the second significant order for the LCA Mk1A project. In February 2021, the government agreed to place an order for 83 LCA Mk1A aircraft with a total value of ₹48,000 crore. Collectively, the two orders make the Tejas programme one of the largest indigenous fighter aircraft programmes in the history of India.
Support for the IAF
The Indian Air Force is presently struggling with a shortfall of fighter aircraft. It has 31 squadrons, well below the authorized ceiling of 42 squadrons. The new LCA Mk1A jets will be used to replace the old MiG-21 fleet, which has been flying for years.
The Tejas Mk1A will provide the IAF with a modern, lightweight, multi-role fighter aircraft with high-threat capabilities. The Tejas Mk1A is designed for air defence, ground attack, and maritime patrol missions, adding to India’s air power flexibility.
Advanced Indigenous Features
The new jets will be outfitted with a range of home-grown technologies, such as:
UTTAM AESA radar, which boasts enhanced detection and tracking capabilities, Swayam Raksha Kavach, a fully indigenous electronic warfare suite,
Advanced flight control actuators that improve handling and safety, and
More than 64% indigenous content, featuring another 67 India-made parts.
These additional features certainly make the LCA Mk1A more effective and demonstrate India’s growing capacity to design and manufacture next-generation defence equipment.
An Initiative towards Self-Reliance
This contract is a concrete move towards the government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat visions. The government has not only pursued a greater capability for the IAF, but it has also supported the Indian defence and aerospace industry with the contract to HAL.
Many local suppliers and small industrial firms that supply parts and sub-systems for the aircraft are expected to benefit from the programme. It will create jobs and promote further investment in research and development.
The path before us
HAL will have to confront the task of increasing production capability to deliver these aircraft to the agreed schedule. Defence analysts point out that timely delivery is essential, as delays could impair the IAF’s operational preparedness.
Delivering this contract will also be crucial in setting the stage for future projects like the Tejas Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). If the supply is successful as intended, this agreement can be considered a milestone in India’s journey to independence in defence aviation.
Shares Market
Shares of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a leading defence PSU, rose nearly 2% to ₹4,806 apiece in Thursday’s afternoon trade, September 25. The uptick came after the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with HAL for the purchase of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A — comprising 68 fighter jets and 29 twin-seaters — along with related equipment for the Indian Air Force. The deal is valued at over ₹62,370 crore (excluding taxes) and was finalized on September 25, 2025.
