New Delhi: India signed a deal worth 623.70 billion rupees ($7.03 billion) on Thursday to buy indigenous fighter aircraft from state warplane maker Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in the effort to modernise its armed forces.

The acquisition comes in the face of the growing military strength and influence in South Asia of neighbour China, including defence ties with India’s arch-rival Pakistan.

The order for 97 home-grown fighters of the Tejas Mk-1A variety, envisages completion of deliveries over a span of six years from financial year 2027-28, the defence ministry said in a statement. Show Full Article

“The supply of these aircraft by HAL would enhance operational capability of the Indian Air Force to continue their unhindered operations and strengthen defence preparedness,” Defence M

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