Aviation News – India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Rs 62,370 crore ($7.5 billion) contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A, strengthening the Indian Air Force’s indigenous fighter capabilities.
The landmark agreement, finalized in New Delhi on September 25, 2025, includes 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seat trainers, along with associated equipment. It builds on the 2021 order for 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, bringing the IAF’s total commitment to over 180 units. This makes the Tejas program one of the largest indigenous fighter projects in India’s defense history.
The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded variant of the domestically developed aircraft, produced under the “Buy (India-IDDM)” procurement category. Key enhancements include the indigenously developed UTTAM active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, the Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite, and improved flight control actuators. These systems are designed to give the fighter improved situational awareness, survivability, and handling.
“This contract marks a major step toward achieving self-reliance in defense production,” the MoD said in a statement. “The Tejas Mk1A not only strengthens the IAF’s combat capability but also reflects India’s growing technological expertise in advanced military aviation.”
The latest order is expected to provide a significant boost to HAL’s production line and India’s wider defense ecosystem. Analysts note that large-scale induction of Tejas jets will help modernize the IAF’s fleet while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
With the combined orders, the Tejas is set to become the backbone of India’s light combat fighter force. The program also lays the groundwork for future indigenous projects, including the Tejas Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
