The cabinet committee on security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday cleared a Rs 48,000-crore deal for 83 LCA (light combat aircraft) from defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for the Indian Air Force in the biggest-ever deal in the indigenous military aviation sector.

Announcing the decision on Twitter, defence minister Rajnath Singh said the LCA-Tejas was going to be the backbone of the IAF fighter fleet in years to come.

“This deal will be a game changer for self-reliance in the Indian defence manufacturing,” he added.

“LCA-Tejas incorporates a large number of new technologies many of which were never attempted in India,” the minister said.

“The HAL has already set up second line manufacturing facilities at its Nasik and Bengaluru Divisions. Equipped with the augmented infrastructure the HAL will steer LCA-Mk1A production for timely deliveries to the IAF.”

Sources in the defence ministry said the Indian Air Force was expected to sign a contract with HAL next month during India’s air show Aero India in Bangalore.

“The deliveries of these 83 fighter aircraft will begin three-four years after the actual contract is inked next month,” a ministry official said.