Cabinet Committee on Security clears ₹62,000 crore purchase of 97 LCA Mark 1A jets from HAL

Government sources on Tuesday (August 19) said the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the purchase of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A fighter jets for ₹62,000 crore from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The approval marks one of the largest defence procurement orders placed with HAL. The purchase, valued at ₹62,000 crore, involves 97 units of the indigenously developed fighter jet, according to the sources.

The Light Combat Aircraft Mark 1A is an upgraded version of the indigenous Tejas fighter jet, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics. It is designed as a lightweight, single-engine, supersonic multi-role aircraft equipped with advanced avionics and radar systems.

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The Mark 1A variant incorporates improved operational capabilities, including better maintainability, modern electronic warfare systems, and beyond-visual-range missile-firing ability. The aircraft also features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, air-to-air refuelling, and advanced self-protection systems, enhancing both strike and defensive roles.

Built to replace the ageing fleet of MiG-21 fighters in the Indian Air Force, the LCA Mark 1A is tailored to meet India’s growing defence requirements with greater indigenous content, reducing dependency on imports.

Shares of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd ended at ₹4,452.85, down by ₹58.95, or 1.31%, on the BSE.