Centre approves ₹62,000-crore order for 97 LCA Mk1A fighters, giving IAF a major boost

New Delhi: In a boost to indigenous fighter jet development efforts, the Centre has cleared an order for 97 additional LCA Mk1a aircraft that are to be made by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

The order, valued at ₹62,000 crore, will take the total number of LCA Mk1A fighters in the air force to 180, adding to an earlier order of 83 that is in the process of being delivered. Sources said that the final clearances have been given by the government and the formal contract would soon be inked with HAL.

The latest version of the fighter jets will be manufactured at two production lines in Bengaluru and Nashik. The plan is to ramp up production capacity to deliver 24 jets on an annual basis in the coming years.

The LCA Mk1A procurement will add much needed numbers to the fighter jet strength of the Air Force and is much more capable that the earlier version, equipped with new-age radars, electronic warfare systems and midair refueling. Numbers are urgently needed as fighter squadron strength has dipped to its lowest since 1965.