The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a landmark contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A — comprising 68 fighters and 29 twin-seaters — along with associated equipment for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The deal, valued at over ₹62,370 crore (excluding taxes), was inked on 25th September 2025. Deliveries will begin in 2027-28 and conclude within six years.
The LCA Mk1A, the most advanced variant of the indigenous fighter aircraft, will feature over 64% indigenous content and incorporate 67 additional items beyond the earlier contract signed in January 2021. Advanced systems like the UTTAM AESA Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach, and control surface actuators, developed indigenously, will further strengthen India’s Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence.
The project will be powered by a robust supply chain of around 105 Indian companies engaged in component manufacturing. It is expected to create nearly 11,750 direct and indirect jobs annually over six years, giving a strong push to the domestic aerospace ecosystem.
Procured under the ‘Buy (India-IDDM)’ category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, the acquisition underscores the Government’s emphasis on indigenisation and self-reliance. Once inducted, the LCA Mk1A will serve as a potent force multiplier to meet the evolving operational requirements of the IAF.
