Big boost to defence as 97 Tejas aircraft, 156 Prachand helicopters procurement gets clearance

According to defence officials, the Tejas fighter jets cost around ₹65,000 crores.

Updated on: Nov 30, 2023, 15:47:41 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

In a major boost to India's defence capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council has cleared the procurement of 97 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The council has also approved the procurement of 156 Prachand attack helicopters for the Indian Army.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes sortie on a Tejas fighter aircraft in Bengaluru. (X)

According to defence officials, the Tejas fighter jets cost around ₹65,000 crore.

The council has also approved the upgrade plane of 84 Su-30MKI fighters used by the Indian Air Force. Collectively, the proposal costs around ₹1.6 lakh crore, according to officials.

“Today, the Defence Ministry has cleared the proposal for the acquisition of 97 LCA mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force at a cost of around ₹65,000 crores. Proposal for buying 156 LCH Prachand choppers have also been approved by the Defence Acquisition Council along with the upgrade plan of 84 Su-30MKI fighters has also been cleared: these proposals are worth ₹1.6 lakh crore and are indigenous projects,” unidentified defence officials were quoted as saying by ANI.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Indian Air Force

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.