Thu Sep 25 13:20:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewritten version in the style of a news article:

**Summary:**

The Indian Ministry of Defence has finalized a significant deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to acquire 97 Tejas light combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The ₹62,370 crore agreement will provide the IAF with the advanced LCA Mk1A, featuring indigenous technology like the UTTAM AESA radar and Swayam Raksha Kavach. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and deliveries are slated to begin in 2027-28. This is the second order for these indigenous fighters, following a previous order for 83 aircraft in 2021.

**News Article:**

**Indian Air Force Bolsters Fleet with Major Tejas Aircraft Deal**

**New Delhi, September 25, 2025** – In a significant boost to its indigenous defense capabilities, the Indian Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹62,370 crore deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The agreement, finalized today, marks the second major order for the locally developed fighter jets, following a previous contract for 83 aircraft in February 2021.

The newly acquired aircraft will be the advanced LCA Mk1A variant, boasting state-of-the-art indigenous technologies, including the UTTAM AESA radar and the Swayam Raksha Kavach self-protection suite. According to the Ministry of Defence, the aircraft contains over 64% indigenous content, incorporating 67 newly developed indigenous items.

“This deal is a testament to India’s growing self-reliance in the defense sector,” stated a Ministry of Defence spokesperson. “The LCA Mk1A represents a significant leap in our indigenous defense capabilities.”

The project is also expected to have a substantial impact on the Indian economy, generating an estimated 11,750 jobs per year over the next six years. The Ministry highlighted the support of 105 suppliers in the endeavor.

Deliveries of the new Tejas aircraft are expected to commence in 2027-28, further strengthening the IAF’s air power and demonstrating India’s commitment to bolstering its domestic defense industry.

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