THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Sept 25: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received a major order from the Ministry of Defence to manufacture 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A Tejas fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. The deal, signed on Thursday, September 25, is valued at ₹62,370 crore.
According to sources, the order includes 68 single-seater fighter jets and 29 twin-seater trainer aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027-28 and will be completed within six years. Each aircraft will feature over 64 percent indigenous components along with 67 newly developed Indian systems.
Jharkhand News: Dalma Hills witness complete elephant exodus after corridor disruption
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a post on X, said the contract with HAL aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. “In a major boost to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative of the Government, the Ministry of Defence today signed a contract with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) MK 1A (68 Fighters and 29 Twin Seaters) for the Indian Air Force at a cost of more than Rs 62000 crores.”
In a major boost to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative of the Government, the Ministry of Defence today signed a contract with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) MK 1A (68 Fighters and 29 Twin Seaters) for the Indian Air… https://t.co/A5GxzeSNAt
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 25, 2025
“The supply of these aircraft by HAL would enhance operational capability of the Indian Air Force to continue their unhindered operations and strengthen defence preparedness of the country. This contract reflects the trust and confidence of the Government and the Armed Forces in the indigenously developed aircraft ‘Tejas’, which will be the mainstay of the IAF in the years to come,” he added.
Also Read- 10 Naxals surrender before Jharkhand DGP in Chaibasa
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had approved the deal last month. Notably, this is the second major Tejas order placed by the Defence Ministry. In February 2021, HAL received an earlier contract worth ₹46,898 crore for 83 Mk1A aircraft.
The single-engine Mk1A is set to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet, which will retire on September 26. HAL has also recently secured the third GE-404 engine for the LCA Mk1A, with another engine expected soon.
