New Delhi: The largest deal for 97 Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets is set to be signed with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on Thursday. The deal is being signed even as the Indian Air Force (IAF) is yet to receive the first set of ‘improved’ jets, 83 of which were ordered earlier. The last time, in 2021, a deal of Rs 46,898 crore was signed for 83 jets.

The deal for the 97 jets may be signed as early as on Thursday, reported the Times of India . The deal for the 97 Tejas Mark-1A is set to be signed ahead of the retirement of 36 old MiG-21 jets. After the old MiGs are taken out of service the IAF will be left with only 29 fighter squadrons, which is the forces all time low fighter jet number.

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Pakistan meanwhile is just close behind India, wit

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