New Delhi has ordered an additional 83 Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), along with 15 light combat helicopters and 464 T-90 battle tanks. The Tejas order is reportedly worth Rs. 50,025 crore (around 7Md€).

HAL began delivering an initial batch of 20 Mk1 aircraft to the Indian Air Force this year, out of an initial order for 40 aircraft, and a first Tejas squadron has been formed, though the aircraft is still awaiting Final Operational Clearance (FOC).

According to Indian media reports, the next batch of Tejas will feature in-flight refuelling capability, an improved radar and the ability to fire Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles.

HAL plans to ultimately boost production to 16 aircraft a year.