For 97 advanced LCA Mk1A jets, the Defence Ministry has sealed a ₹623.7 billion deal with HAL to strengthen the IAF’s arsenal.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has finalised a ₹623.7 billion contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A. The order, comprising 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seat trainers, is one of the largest indigenous defence procurements to date. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027-28 and are expected to be completed within six years.
According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the LCA Mk1A is India’s most advanced homegrown fighter aircraft and is expected to significantly bolster the combat capability of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Built with more than 64% indigenous content, the aircraft will feature 67 new enhancements compared with the earlier order placed in 2021.
Among the upgrades are the UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, the Swayam Raksha Kavach self-protection system, and indigenous control surface actuators.
The acquisition has been placed under the ‘Buy (India-IDDM)’ category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020. MoD stated that the deal aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, positioning the LCA Mk1A as a frontline asset designed and manufactured in India.
Furthermore, production of the aircraft will be supported by a supply chain of nearly 105 domestic firms. This industrial base is expected to generate around 11,750 direct and indirect jobs annually over the next six years.
The government said the project would not only strengthen the IAF but also create momentum in India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
