In a major boost for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India in defence project, India on Tuesday cleared the project for buying 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.
The Defence Ministry has issued a tender to the public sector firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for buying made in India 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets expected to be worth over Rs 65,000 crore.
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Thursday said the nod given by the Defence Ministry to procure 97 more LCA mark 1A fighter jets marks a 'landmark event' and demonstrates the force's commitment towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
The plan to buy the indigenous plane were announced in Spain by Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari soon after receiving the first C-295 transport aircraft in Spain in an exclusive interaction with ANI.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to buy these Made in India aircraft to replace the MiG-21 fighter jets in its fleet has been submitted to the Defence Ministry and all other stakeholders in the national security establishment.