MoD signs Rs. 62,370 crore contract with HAL for procurement of 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a major contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, including 68 fighters and 29 twin-seaters, for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The deal, valued at over ₹62,370 crore (excluding taxes), was finalised on Thursday.

Delivery Timeline

The delivery of the aircraft is scheduled to commence in 2027–28 and will be completed over a period of six years.

Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

The LCA Mk1A aircraft will have an indigenous content of over 64%, with 67 additional items incorporated compared to the previous LCA Mk1A contract signed in January 2021.

Advanced Systems to be Integrated

The upgraded fighters will feature advanced indigenously developed systems, including:

• UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar
• Swayam Raksha Kavach self-protection suite
• Indigenous control surface actuators

These integrations are expected to significantly enhance combat capabilities while reinforcing the government’s Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) initiative in defence.