The government has approved a massive defense deal, which would see the Indian Air Force get 156 helicopters and 97 more Tejas fighter jets
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is now prepared to purchase 97 more Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (Mark 1A) after the Union defense Ministry approved a massive defense deal on Thursday. Additionally, the Center has approved the purchase of 156 Prachand Combat Helicopters. Sixty-six of them are IAF helicopters and ninety are Army helicopters.
What was said by Air Chief Marshal, Chief of Air Staff?
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari called the defense transaction a “landmark event” in view of the most recent development.
40 LCAs of the first IOC and FOC versions were already in our possession. As a result, the Indian Air Force would eventually strengthen to 220 LCA mark 1As, which will equip almost 10 Air Force units, he said.
He claims that, considering the retirement of the MiG 21 and the MiG 27 and 23 fleets in the past, the 97 Light Combat Aircraft is “an ideal fit” to replace the jets’ waning power.
It’s a very strong and competent aircraft, and it increases our confidence in the capabilities of the Indian military sector. It demonstrates our strong commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and guarantees that a significant portion of the products in our inventory are manufactured in India,” he was cited by news agency ANI as saying.
Concerning Tejas Fighter Jet
The Tejas Mark-1A fighter aircraft is planned, developed, and produced entirely in India, with more than 65 percent of its parts coming from there.
The indigenous Prachand helicopters and Tejas planes are valued at Rs 1.1 lakh crore each.
Concerning the Defense Deal
The Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the Indian Air Force’s modernization program for Su-30 fighter aircraft in addition to the Tejas fighter planes and Prachand Combat helicopters.
According to information obtained, the government expects to spend Rs 1.3 lakh crore on the Su-30 upgrading program and massive procurement initiatives.
The defense ministry and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. inked a Rs 48,000 crore agreement in February 2021 for the IAF to purchase 83 Tejas MK-1A aircraft.
