The central government has approved a ₹62,000-crore deal for the purchase of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
A high-level meeting on Tuesday finalised the decision, paving the way for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to begin production.
This marks the second major order for the Tejas Mark 1A. The first order, worth around ₹48,000 crore, was placed for 83 jets a few years ago. With the fresh deal, the IAF’s fleet will now expand to 180 Tejas Mark 1A aircraft. The jets are expected to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet, which is being phased out.
The Tejas programme has received strong backing from both the Defence Ministry and the IAF. Officials noted that the order will provide a major boost to indigenisation and benefit hundreds of small and medium enterprises across the country engaged in defence manufacturing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a vocal supporter of HAL and the Make in India initiative.
Under his leadership, the state-run aerospace major has secured several contracts for indigenous aircraft, helicopters, and engines.
In a symbolic gesture of confidence, the Prime Minister flew in a trainer variant of the Tejas, becoming the first Indian PM to do so. Sharing his experience, he described the sortie as ‘enriching’ and a moment that reinforced his belief in India’s indigenous capabilities.
Tejas Mark 1A: Advanced technology and self-reliance
The Tejas Mark 1A comes equipped with advanced avionics and radar systems, marking a significant improvement over the earlier 40 LCAs delivered to the IAF.
Defence sources said the jet uses more than 65 per cent indigenous components, reflecting India’s growing self-reliance in aerospace technology.
Former Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari had first announced the IAF’s plan to acquire 97 additional jets during his visit to Spain. The government is likely to place orders with HAL for over 200 LCA Mark 2 jets and a similar number of fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft in the future.
The approval aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India missions. Recently, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared proposals worth ₹1.6 lakh crore, including the procurement of 156 LCH Prachand helicopters and upgrades for 84 Su-30MKI fighters.
The first Tejas aircraft entered IAF service in 2016, and two squadrons currently operate the jet. HAL will begin delivering the 83 earlier-ordered Tejas Mark 1A aircraft by February 2024, and the fighter will become the largest fleet in the IAF in the coming years.
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