NEW DELHI: The defence ministry has issued tender to
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
(HAL) for the procurement of 97 LCA Mark 1A
fighter jets
, worth over Rs 65,000 crore. This will make it the
largest order
for domestically produced military equipment by the Indian government.
The tender, recently issued to HAL by the defence ministry, provides a three-month window for response.
The acquisition program aims to replace or phase out existing fleets of MiG-21s, MiG-23s, and MiG-27s from the Indian Air Force, according to government officials.
Backed by both the defence ministry and Air headquarters, the indigenous fighter aircraft program is anticipated to significantly promote indigenisation efforts and bolster business for small and medium enterprises in the defense sector nationwide.
The decision to acquire 97 additional LCA Mark 1A fighter jets was earlier announced by Air chief marshal VR Chaudhari during a visit to Spain. Following a comprehensive review meeting of the indigenous fighter jet program involving all stakeholders, including HAL, the decision to purchase 97 more aircraft was finalized.
The initial order for 83 LCA Mark1A aircraft is nearing completion, with delivery expected to commence shortly. The LCA Mark 1A represents an advancement over the original Tejas aircraft, boasting enhanced avionics and radar systems.
With indigenous content exceeding 65%, the LCA Mark1A program falls in line with India’s self-reliance ambitions in the aerospace sector.
HAL is also set to secure additional contracts for over 200 LCA Mark 2s and a similar number of fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, further solidifying its role in advancing India’s aerospace capabilities.
(With agency inputs)
