Defence Ministry Awards HAL Rs 65,000 Cr Contract for 97 LCA Mark 1A Jets

New Delhi, Apr 12: Union Defence Ministry has recently issued a tender to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the purchase of 97 indigenous LCA Mark 1A fighter jets, a deal valued at over Rs 65,000 crore. This tender marks the largest domestic military equipment order ever placed by the Indian government.

 

 

 

 

HAL has three months to respond to the tender. The acquisition will aid the Indian Air Force in replacing its aging MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 aircraft, which are either being phased out or are set to be phased out in the near future.

 

 

 

 

The fighter jet program, backed by the Defence Ministry and Air Headquarters, will boost the indigenization of military hardware and support small and medium enterprises in the defense sector across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been advocating for HAL's resurgence, and the company has secured orders for producing indigenous fighter jets, helicopters, and their engines.

 

 

 

 

 

The Prime Minister took a ride in the trainer variant of the LCA Mark 1A, marking his first sortie in a combat aircraft. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari first announced the acquisition plans of 97 LCA Mark 1A jets while visiting Spain, emphasizing the goal to enhance domestic fighter aircraft orders. This decision followed a review meeting with HAL and other stakeholders involved in the indigenous fighter jet program.

 

 

 

 

Previously, an order for 83 LCA Mark1A jets was placed, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery soon. The LCA Mark 1A is an advanced version of the Tejas fighter, featuring improved avionics and radar systems compared to the initial 40 LCAs delivered to the Air Force. The new LCA Mark 1A jets will have over 65% indigenous content, supporting India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Make in India" initiatives. Additionally, HAL is expected to secure contracts for over 200 LCA Mark 2s and a similar number of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.

 

 

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