India, Dec. 12 -- The defence ministry on Thursday inked a Rs.13,500-crore contract with Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 12 Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft along with associated equipment for the Indian Air Force in a push for the country's self-reliance drive, the ministry said.

The IAF operates a fleet of 260 Su-30s, and the 12 additional fighters have been contracted to make up for planes lost in accidents.

A Rs.7,000-crore deal for 100 more self-propelled K9 Vajra-T guns manufactured by Larsen & Toubro with technology transfer from South Korean firm Hanwha Techwin has also been cleared, HT has learnt.

"The Su-30 aircraft will have an indigenous content of 62.6%, enhanced due to indigenisation of many components t...