Centre seals Rs 62 , 370 crore deal with HAL to procure 97 Tejas jets for IAF
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) inked a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft (68 fighters and 29 twin seaters) with associated equipment for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a cost of Rs 62,370 crore (excluding taxes).
This comes amid the fast dwindling combat fighter strength, which has caused anxiety in the IAF leadership. The last MiG 21 squadron (23 Squadron) is being phased out on Friday, bringing the current number of fighter squadrons below 30.
