India has finalized a contract worth 623.70 billion rupees ($7.03 billion) with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), a state-run company, to supply Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF), according to a statement from the defence ministry shared on X this Thursday.
This procurement is crucial for the IAF, which is experiencing a rapid decline in fighter jet numbers, and occurs as New Delhi aims to enhance its domestic defence capabilities following a severe conflict with its longstanding adversary, Pakistan.
HAL, which has faced financial strain due to aircraft supply delays, has assured quicker delivery times.
