The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

The deal was sealed for Rs 62,370 crore (Rs 66,550 crore with taxes) and is in addition to the 83 jets ordered in January 2021, taking the total to 180 aircraft. With the latest order, the MoD, which is a majority stakeholder in HAL, has reposed faith in the listed public sector enterprise despite it being 18 months behind schedule in delivering jets under the previous contract.

The fresh order is for 68 fighter jets and 29 twin-seater trainer aircraft along with associated equipment. The deliveries would start during 2027-28 and were expected to complete in next six years, the MoD said in statement.

As the Centre

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