Deal for 97 Tejas at ₹62,370 cr

ATMANIRBHARTA | HAL to begin deliveries in 2027-28 and process to be completed in 6 years

- FPJ News Service

The Ministry of Defence on Thursday inked a landmark ₹62,370-crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to procure 97 Tejas Mk-1A light combat aircraft (LCA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The signing comes a month after the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the acquisition. Deliveries will begin in 2027-28 and must be completed within six years.

The contract covers 68 single-seaters and 29 twin-seaters, making this HAL’ second major Tejas order after the ₹48,000-crore deal for 83 jets in 2021. The acquisition comes at a critical time when the IAF’s fighter squadron strength has dipped to 31 against the sanctioned 42. Tejas, a multi-role fighter, is capable of air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike roles, enabling the IAF to maintain combat readiness in high-threat environments.