RAS question
HAL secured a ₹62,370 crore contract for how many Tejas Mk-1A jets for the Indian Air Force?
Correct answer: (B) 97 jets.
HAL secured the Rs. 62,370 crore Ministry of Defence contract to supply 97 Tejas Mk-1A jets to the Indian Air Force.
Explanation
The figure is 97 jets. According to PIB, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft for the Indian Air Force, at a cost of over Rs. 62,370 crore excluding taxes. PIB also specifies the composition of the order: 68 fighters and 29 twin seaters, along with associated equipment. That breakdown matters because it establishes that the contract is not a rounded headline number but a precise procurement package. This is a major indigenous defence procurement order centred on HAL's Tejas Mk-1A supply to the IAF.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) 83 jets is not the number in the Rs. 62,370 crore order; the MoD contract package is for 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft.
- (C) 114 jets overstates the order, because PIB records a specific total of 97 aircraft, split into 68 fighters and 29 twin seaters.
- (D) 56 jets understates the procurement, since the official contract covers 97 aircraft along with associated equipment for the IAF.
Concept
This tests defence indigenisation and current Science and Technology procurement, a recurring RAS area because examiners track major indigenous platforms and high-value MoD contracts. The key is to remember the exact contract size and platform, not just the broad HAL-Tejas headline.