India, Sept. 16 -- BENGALURU The defence ministry will sign a Rs.66,000-crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for an additional 97 light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1As) as soon as the state-run firm hands over to the air force the first two of 83 such fighter jets already on order, and the new deal could be signed soon, HAL chief DK Sunil said on Monday.

"We are getting the paperwork ready and hope to conclude the contract in October. The moment that is done, HAL can trigger other contracts related to the deal, including the contract for new engines," he said, referring to the $1 billion deal with US firm GE Aerospace for 113 F404-IN20 engines to power the new fighter jets. The engine deal is also expected to be signed in Octobe...