India's Defence Ministry has issued a tender for the purchase of 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets from public sector firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
This deal, estimated to be worth over INR 650 billion ($7.75 billion), marks a significant milestone for the Indian government, as it will stand as the largest order ever placed for locally-produced military equipment.
The last order for LCA Mark1A was for 83 aircraft, with the first plane set to be delivered in just a few weeks.
The LCA Mark 1A is equipped with more advanced avionics and radars compared with the initial 40 LCAs being supplied to the Air Force.
HAL is also poised to secure deals for the acquisition of over 200 LCA Mark 2s and a similar number of fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.