Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has secured a contract worth ₹62,370 crore for supplying 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A to the Indian Air Force. The agreement includes 68 fighter jets and 29 twin-seaters, with deliveries commencing in 2027-28 and concluding over six years. The project will boost indigenous manufacturing, with over 64% local content and the creation of approximately 11,750 jobs per year.
Major Defence Contract Secured
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a significant contract with the Ministry of Defence for the procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A for the Indian Air Force. The total value of the contract exceeds ₹62,370 crore (excluding taxes), solidifying HAL’s position as a key player in the Indian aerospace industry.
Contract Details and Indigenous Content
The contract includes the supply of 68 fighter aircraft and 29 twin-seater aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2027-28, with the entire order to be fulfilled over a period of six years. The aircraft will feature an indigenous content of over 64%, with the integration of advanced, indigenously developed systems, enhancing the ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) initiative.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
This project is supported by a robust vendor base of nearly 105 Indian companies directly involved in the manufacturing of components. The production is expected to generate approximately 11,750 direct and indirect jobs per year for the duration of the contract, providing a significant boost to the domestic aerospace ecosystem.
Advanced Features and Strategic Importance
The LCA Mk1A is the most advanced variant of the indigenously designed and manufactured fighter aircraft. It will serve as a critical platform to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force. Key advanced systems to be integrated include the UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar and Swayam Raksha Kavach.
Source: BSE
