State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Thursday signed a Rs 2,400-crore contract with public sector Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for development and supply of 20 types of systems for the light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A programme.

The contract spanning from 2023 to 2028 involves supplying critical avionics line replaceable units (LRUs), flight control computers and night flying LRUs.

“This is the biggest ever order that HAL has placed on any Indian company boosting Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign,” a press release from HAL stated.

The order for supply of these systems for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter fleet will be executed by two divisions of Bharat Electronics Ltd at Bangalore and Panchkula (Haryana). All the contracted items will be delivered by BEL to HAL in a ready-to-board condition.

“LCA Tejas programme is an excellent example of synergies between Indian defence establishments such as HAL, DRDO & BEL. The current order for development and supply of 20 types of critical avionics LRUs for Tejas Mk1A is a shot in the arm for Make in India activity. HAL stands committed to indigenous products”, the statement said.

Deliveries under the Tejas Mk1A order to the Indian Air Force will commence from financial year 2023-24.

The homegrown fighter is slated to be equipped with indigenous flight control computers and air data computers that would also be supplied by BEL under this contract. These systems have been designed and developed by various labs of DRDO and Aeronautical Development Agency, Bangalore.