Overview

• India’s Ministry of Defence signed with HAL to supply 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft for the IAF at Rs 62,370 crore excluding taxes.
• The package comprises 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seaters with deliveries beginning in 2027–28 and completing over six years.
• The Mk1A configuration lifts indigenous content above 64% and adds the UTTAM AESA radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach and 67 new Indian-made items.
• The programme falls under Buy (India‑IDDM), involves about 105 domestic suppliers and is projected to generate roughly 11,750 jobs annually for six years.
• This tranche builds on a delayed 2021 order for 83 Mk1A jets, with continuity of GE F404 engine supply reported as the key risk and separate reports pointing to a near‑final package for about 113 engines.