India greenlights Rs 62,000 crore Tejas Mark 1A deal; IAF to boost indigenous fleet with 97 fighter jets

The Indian government has approved the purchase of 97 LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing. With over 65% of components made in India, the aircraft will replace ageing MiG-21s. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a strong supporter of HAL, flew a Tejas sortie last week, praising Indias aerospace capabilities.