The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a ₹62,370 crore deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The order includes 68 fighters and 29 twin-seaters, with deliveries scheduled between 2027-28 and 2033-34.

About LCA Tejas Mk1A

  • Type: 4.5-generation, single-engine, multi-role light combat aircraft.
  • Indigenous Content: Over 64% (with 67 new items added compared to the 2021 contract).
  • Variants Ordered Earlier: In 2021, the government signed a ₹48,000 crore deal for 83 LCA Mk1A jets.
  • Advanced Features:
    • UTTAM AESA Radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array).
    • Swayam Raksha Kavach (self-protection electronic warfare system).
    • Indigenous control surface actuators.
  • Strategic Role: Designed to replace ageing MiG-21s and strengthen India’s indigenous defence production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Economic & Strategic Significance

  • Supported by a vendor base of 105 Indian companies.
  • Expected to generate 11,750 direct and indirect jobs annually during production.
  • Procured under the ‘Buy (India-IDDM)’ category of Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.
  • Enhances air defence capabilities, ensuring self-reliance in combat aircraft manufacturing.

The LCA Mk1A deal reinforces India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production and strengthens the operational preparedness of the IAF. Timely delivery and effective integration of indigenous systems will be crucial in ensuring the success of this landmark project.

MCQ

Q. With reference to the LCA Tejas Mk1A, consider the following statements:

  1. It is a 5th generation twin-engine fighter aircraft being developed by HAL.
  2. The Tejas Mk1A is equipped with the indigenously developed UTTAM AESA Radar.
  3. The aircraft procurement is under the ‘Buy (India-IDDM)’ category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure, 2020.
  4. The LCA Mk1A programme is expected to generate over 10,000 jobs annually during its production phase.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 

The Indian Express

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