HAL Secures Govt Approval for ₹62,000 Cr Order of 97 LCA Mk-1A Fighter Jets

State-run defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on August 21 confirmed that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A jets worth ₹62,000 crore for the Indian Air Force. The CCS, chaired by the Prime Minister, cleared the mega deal on August 19, 2025, marking a significant boost to India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jet programme, which aims to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet. This is the second major order for the Tejas Mk-1A, after HAL’s contract in February 2021. Deliveries are expected to begin in FY26, with six jets scheduled once engine supply issues are resolved. Despite the announcement, HAL’s stock traded flat at ₹4,446.4 on NSE, down 0.16% in early trade. The LCA Mk-1A, an upgraded version of the Tejas, comes with enhanced combat capabilities and is viewed as a cornerstone of India’s ‘Make in India’ defence push. Hashtags: #HAL #LCA #Tejas #Defence #IndianAirForce #MakeInIndia #DefenceDeals