India clears US$7.5 Billion Worth Proposal For 83 Tejas Aircraft

India has cleared Rs 50,025 crore (US$7.5 billion) worth defense proposal to procure 83 LCA Tejas fighter jets.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) led by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar approved the procurement of 83 Light Combat Aircrafts (LCA) Tejas MK1A, Deccan Chronicle reported today.

The LCA smallest and lightest super fighter is designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force and Navy.

The DAC has also approved 2911 crore (US$437 million) procurement of 15 light combat helicopters of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Out of this, five will be for the army.

In addition, the ministry has cleared proposal for unmanned aerial vehicle purchase. "The DAC has also approved $165 million purchase of 598 mini-UAVs under the ‘Buy Indian’ category. These UAVs will be for the infantry," said an official.  The UAVs will be used for aerial surveillance of areas upto five to seven kilometres ahead of the area of responsibility.

The DAC also cleared the way for the issuance of tender for six additional regiments of the Pinaka rockets for Rs 14,633 crore (US$2.1 billion), sources said.