NEW DELHI, Oct. 14 -- The defence ministry on Monday said it has utilised over 50% of its capital outlay in the first half of financial year 2025-26, adding that this will result in timely delivery of weapons and systems to the armed forces. "The capital expenditure stands at Rs.92,211.44 crore (51.23%) out of the total allocation of Rs.180,000 crore. The ministry had utilised 100% of capital expenditure amounting to Rs.159,768.4 crore in the last financial year," the ministry said in a statement. The utilisation of over 50% of capital outlay by September 30 will result in ensuring timely delivery of vital platforms such as aircraft, ships, submarines, and other weapon systems required for the modernisation of armed forces in the coming year, the ministry said. On September 25, the ministry 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. Most of the expenditure, the ministry said, has been on aircraft and aero engines followed by land systems, electronic warfare equipment, armaments, and projectiles. "Capital expenditure is crucial for the defence sector as it funds the acquisition of new assets, research and development, and infrastructural development in border areas, which are all essential for the country's national security. Moreover, capital expenditure has a multiplier effect on economic growth and employment generation," the statement said, adding that the ministry is committed to fully utilising the allocation under capital head by the end of the current FY also. htc...