India, Sept. 26 -- The defence ministry on Thursday signed a Rs.62,370-crore contract with aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to buy 97 more light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1As) and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force which is wrestling with a worrying shortage of fighter jets.

The delivery of these aircraft will begin in 2027-28 and be wrapped up over six years, the defence ministry said. The aircraft ordered include 68 fighter jets and 29 twin-seat trainers. The Cabinet Committee on Security, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the deal in August.

"The aircraft will have an indigenous content of over 64%, with 67 additional items incorporated, over and above the previous LCA Mk-1A. The integration o...