In a big boost to India defense capability, Ministry of Defence ink contract worth Rs 62,370 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for buying 97 LCA Mk1A jets. The order have 68 single-seat fighter and 29 twin-seat variant, with equipment, making Air Force squad stronger.

The deal come under “Buy (India-IDDM)” category, showing India push toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing. More than 64% content of jet is indigenous, and 67 new component added compare to older version. Deliveries will start in 2027–28 and finish in around six years. The contract also creating thousands jobs in India defense ecosystem, with more than 100 suppliers joining supply chain.

This deal is biggest order for Tejas till now and show strong government confident in India aerospace industry. As HAL increase production, these modern fighter will much improve Air Force operational readiness in next decade.