Indian Military Placed Largest Ever Order for Indigenous Fighter Jets

In a significant boost to India's defense indigenization efforts, the Ministry of Defence has issued a tender to the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 made-in-India LCA Mark 1A fighter jets.

The expected value of this deal exceeds Rs 65,000 crore (approximately $8 billion), making it the largest ever order for indigenous military hardware placed by the Indian government.

Government officials revealed that this program aims to replace the Indian Air Force's aging fleet of MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 fighter jets, which are either already phased out or scheduled for retirement soon.

The indigenous fighter aircraft program is fully backed by the Defence Ministry and Air Headquarters, and is expected to significantly bolster the country's indigenization efforts. It will also provide substantial business opportunities for small and medium enterprises engaged in the defense sector across India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a strong proponent of reviving HAL, which has bagged orders for building various indigenous fighter aircraft, helicopters, and their engines under his administration. The Prime Minister himself undertook a sortie in the trainer variant of the LCA, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so in a combat aircraft.

The decision to procure 97 additional LCA Mark 1A fighters comes after a review meeting held by the Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, with all the entities involved, including HAL. This follows the previous order for 83 LCA Mark 1A aircraft, the first of which is scheduled to be delivered in the coming weeks.

The LCA Mark 1A features more advanced avionics and radar systems compared to the initial 40 LCA aircraft already supplied to the Indian Air Force. The indigenous content in the new LCA Mark 1A is expected to be over 65%.

This landmark deal underscores India's push for self-reliance in the aerospace sector, in line with the government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) and 'Make in India' initiatives. It is also a testament to the nation's growing capabilities in the design and manufacturing of indigenous fighter jets.