Centre Clears Rs 62,000 Cr Deal for 97 LCA Mark 1A Fighter Jets

In a major decision to strengthen the Indian Air Force (IAF) and promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India push, the Central Government on Tuesday approved a Rs 62,000 crore project to buy 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF), ANI reported.

 

 

The approval was given in a high-level meeting, paving the way for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to start production of the new aircraft.

 

 

These jets will replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet, which the government is planning to phase out in the coming weeks. The LCA Mark 1A is an improved version of the Tejas fighter jet, equipped with better radars, avionics, and higher indigenous content (over 65%) compared to the earlier models.

 

 

The Defence Ministry and Air Force have fully backed this project, calling it a big step forward for self reliance in defence manufacturing.