The Defence Ministry on Thursday (September 25, 2025) sealed a ₹62,370 crore deal with the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to procure 97 Tejas light combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

The advanced light combat aircraft Mk1A is integrated with UTTAM AESA Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach and control actuators, with 64%+ indigenous content and 67 new indigenous items.

The agreement was supported by 105 suppliers and the project will generate 11,750 jobs per year over six years, according to the Ministry.

The deliveries are likely to start in 2027-28.

This marks the second order for the indigenous LCA Mark 1A fighters. In February 2021, the government had placed an order for 83 aircraft worth about ₹48,000 crore.

Published - September 25, 2025 03:16 pm IST

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