Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a Rs 2,400 crore contract on Thursday for the development and supply of 20 types of systems for the LCA Tejas MKIA programme.

BEL, which is also a defence PSU, will have five years to supply critical avionics Line Replacement Units (LRUS), flight control computers, and night flying LRUs from 2023 to 2028.

HAL called the contract a major step toward indigenisation, and said that this is the largest order HAL has ever placed on any Indian company.

The LCA Tejas programme, according to R Madhavan, CMD of HAL, is an excellent example of synergies between Indian defence establishments such as HAL, DRDO, and BEL.

The current order for the development and supply of 20 different types of systems for the Tejas MkjA is a boost for Make in India. Madhavan added that HAL is committed to using indigenous products.

Bharat Electronics Limited's Bengaluru and Panchkula divisions will fulfil the order for the supply of these systems for the Tejas MKJA fighter fleet of 83 aircraft (Haryana). BEL will deliver to HAL in a ready-to-board condition all of the contracted items.

Tejas Mk deliveries under 83 From FY 2023-24 onwards, an order to the IAF will be issued. The indigenous fighter will be outfitted with indigenous flight control computers and air data computers, both of which will be provided by BEL under this contract. DRDO and Bengaluru's Aeronautical Development Agency collaborated on the development of these systems.

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