India to buy 83 Tejas Mk1As

INDIA HAS formally launched an $8bn programme to buy 83 Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The Indian Air Force (IAF) issued manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with a request for proposal (RFP) on December 20. HAL has been asked to submit commercial and technical offers by March, leading to formal contract award later this year. Of the total 83 aircraft, ten will be two-seat trainers. India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) originally cleared the procurement of 83 Mk1A aircraft in