NEW DELHI, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- India's defense ministry Thursday signed a contract with the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure 97 light combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force, officials said.
The contract was signed for the procurement of 68 fighters and 29 twin-seaters for over 7 billion U.S. dollars.
The delivery of these aircraft would commence during 2027-28 and be completed over a period of six years.
In February 2021, the defence ministry signed a deal with HAL for the procurement of 83 Tejas MK-1A jets for the Indian Air Force. ■
