New Delhi: India is set to strengthen its air combat fleet with a landmark order for 97 Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security. The deal, estimated at over ₹62,000 crore, marks one of the largest indigenous defence procurements in the country’s history.

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which manufactures the Tejas aircraft, confirmed the approval and is preparing to sign the formal contract with the Ministry of Defence. This follows an earlier order of 83 Tejas jets placed in February 2021, though deliveries under that contract are yet to begin.

HAL is expected to hand over the first two improved Tejas Mk-1A jets to the Indian Air Force by October 2025, pending the completion of final weapon integration trials. To meet the ambitious delivery sc

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