Defence Expert Captain Anil Gaur (Retired) hailed the Rs 62,370 crore contract between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procuring 97 LCA Mk1A fighter jets as a significant step towards Atmanirbharta in defence manufacturing.
Speaking to ANI, Gaur said the deal will address the Indian Air Force’s critical fighter jet shortfall while strengthening the domestic defence ecosystem. “The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with HAL to supply LCA Mk1A aircraft over the next six years. This will cover the shortfall and ensure that the supply chain of the entire aircraft industry is tuned up, aiding future aircraft manufacturing in India. These aircraft are currently powered by GE engines,” he explained.
Gaur added that upcoming LCA Mk1A jets will feature Safran engines manufactured in India under technology transfer agreements with France, further enhancing self-reliance. “This is a big boost to Atmanirbharta and will ensure India becomes self-reliant in aircraft production in the coming years,” he said.
The contract, signed on Wednesday, includes 68 single-seater fighters and 29 twin-seaters, along with associated equipment, at a cost of over Rs 62,370 crore (excluding taxes). Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027-28 and continue over six years.
The aircraft will have over 64% indigenous content and include 67 additional items beyond the previous LCA Mk1A contract of January 2021. Integration of advanced, indigenously developed systems, such as the UTTAM AESA Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach, and control surface actuators, will further strengthen India’s Atmanirbharta initiatives in defence technology.
