RAS question
How many Tejas Mk-1A aircraft were ordered in the ₹62,370 crore deal signed with HAL in September 2025?
Correct answer: (A) 97 (68 single-seat + 29 twin-seat).
The September 2025 MoD-HAL contract ordered 97 LCA Tejas Mk1A aircraft for the Indian Air Force: 68 fighters and 29 twin-seaters.
Explanation
The figure to remember is 97, not a rounded fleet number. The PIB release says the Ministry of Defence signed the HAL contract on September 25, 2025, for 97 Light Combat Aircraft Mk1A, split into 68 fighters and 29 twin-seaters, along with associated equipment, at a cost of over Rs. 62,370 crore excluding taxes. This matches option A exactly. The deal is also important because deliveries are to begin in 2027-28 and run over six years, with indigenous content of over 64%. Its placement under the Buy (India-IDDM) category explains why the question sits in Science and Technology as well as defence current affairs.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) 120 aircraft with 80 single-seat and 40 twin-seat variants overstates both the total order and each sub-category given in the PIB release.
- (C) 83 aircraft with 63 single-seat and 20 twin-seat variants does not match the September 2025 HAL contract, which was for 97 aircraft.
- (D) 50 aircraft with 35 single-seat and 15 twin-seat variants is far below the stated MoD order and misses the 68 fighter plus 29 twin-seater split.
Concept
This tests defence indigenisation and current Science and Technology developments, especially aircraft procurement under Buy (India-IDDM). RAS often asks such facts because they link national security, domestic manufacturing, and official current-affairs releases.