In a major boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' in defence project, Centre on Tuesday cleared the project for buying 97 LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. (Image: ANI)
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The final approval for the acquisition of 97 LCA Mark 1A fighters was given in a high-level meeting and will pave the way for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce the aircraft. (Image: X)
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This marks the second major order for the LCA Mark 1A fighters as the government had earlier placed orders for 83 aircraft worth around Rs 48,000 crore. The programme is expected to aid the IAF in replacing its ageing fleet of MiG-21s, which are set to be phased out in the coming weeks. (Representational image)
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The indigenous fighter jet programme, strongly supported by the Defence Ministry and Air Headquarters, will not only advance indigenisation but also generate significant opportunities for small and medium enterprises engaged in the defence sector across the country, ANI reported. (File photo/PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pushing for the revival of the HAL, which has bagged orders for building all types of indigenous fighter aircraft, helicopters, along with the engines for them under his government. (File photo/PTI)
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The Prime Minister had also undertaken a sortie in the trainer variant of the indigenous fighter, which was first-ever sortie by the Prime Minister of India in any combat aircraft. (File photo/PTI)
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The LCA Mark 1A jets come with upgraded avionics and radars compared to the initial 40 LCA aircraft already inducted. The new batch will feature an indigenous content of over 65 per cent, ANI reported. (Image: ANI)
