Cabinet panel on security clears project to procure 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets for IAF

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday (August 19, 2025) approved the procurement of 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

A senior defence official confirmed that the project had been cleared by the CCS, calling it a major boost to the government’s Make in India initiative. The aircraft will be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

This marks the second order for the indigenous LCA Mark 1A fighters. In February 2021, the government had placed an order for 83 aircraft worth about ₹48,000 crore.

The programme will enable the IAF to phase out its ageing MiG-21 fleet, which is scheduled to be retired in September this year. According to officials, the project will not only strengthen indigenisation but also generate significant business for small and medium enterprises in the defence sector.

However, the development comes at a time when questions remain over HAL’s ability to meet delivery timelines for the 83 LCA Mk-1As already on order.

In March this year, HAL received the first U.S.-made GE engine for the programme. Earlier, in August 2021, the company had signed a ₹5,375-crore contract with GE Aerospace for 99 F404 engines to power the Tejas Mk-1A.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently held a phone conversation with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, during which both leaders reviewed ongoing and upcoming initiatives to deepen defence cooperation.