India's defence ministry on Monday signed a contract with Slovenian company Pipestral for 194 microlight aircraft for the air force, navy and the NCC, a statement said.

The total cost of the contract is Rs.105.5 crore.

The Indian Air Force is set to receive 72 of the aircraft for carrying out bird reconnaissance of airfields and their arrival is expected to give a big boost to flight safety, while the Indian Navy gets 12 for the same purpose. The remaining 110 are meant for the National Cadet Corps.

Delivery is expected to commence in a year's time.