In major boost for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procurement of 97 Tejas Mark-1A for Rs 62, 370 crore, excluding taxes.

T he 97 jets are in addition to the 83 such aircraft already ordered by the Ministry of Defence from the HAL.

The contract signed today is for producing 68 fighters and 29 twin seaters — used for training purposes, along with associated equipment, for the IAF. The delivery of these aircraft would commence during 2027-28 and be completed over a period of six years, the MoD said in statement.

Giving a push to self-reliance, the aircraft will have an indigenous content of over 64 per cent, with 67 additional items incorporated, over and above the previous contrac

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