The Union government took a major decision on Wednesday by passing approval for obtaining 83 indigeneously-developed light combat aircraft Tejas for the Indian Air Force (IAF) which is estimated to be Rs 48,000 crore.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh revealed the decision was taken amid a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh revealed in a tweet about the deal will be a ‘game-changer’ for self-reliance in India’s defence manufacturing. He stated, “The CCS chaired by PM Sh. @narendramodi today approved the largest indigenous defence procurement deal worth about 48000 crores to strengthen IAF’s fleet of homegrown fighter jet ‘LCA-Tejas.”
Rajnath Singh said Tejas will be the backbone of the fighter fleet in the coming years for the Indian Air Force. The IAF directed an initial tender for acquiring 83 Tejas aircraft, a four-and a half generation fighter jet, three years ago.
Singh said, “LCA-Tejas incorporates a large number of new technologies many of which were never attempted in India. The indigenous content of LCA-Tejas is 50 percent in Mk1A variant which will be enhanced to 60 percent.”
The aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has already established second-line manufacturing units based in Nasik and Bengaluru divisions, the defence minister iterated. “Equipped with the augmented infrastructure the HAL will steer LCA-Mk1A production for timely deliveries to the IAF,” He said.
He further added, “I thank the Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi for this historic decision taken by the CCS today.”
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