India Greenlights Rs 62,000 Crore Purchase of 97 Tejas Mark 1A Jets to Advance Indigenous Defence Capabilities

The Indian government has approved the purchase of 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a cost of Rs 62,000 crore. This decision marks a significant advancement in bolstering India's domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.

Boost to Indigenous Aerospace

This procurement represents the second major order for the Tejas Mark 1A, following a previous contract for 83 jets valued at Rs 48,000 crore. With this addition, the IAF’s fleet of Mark 1A aircraft will expand to 180, gradually replacing the aging MiG-21s that are being phased out.

The Mark 1A jets feature over 65% Indian-made components, reinforcing the government's Make in India initiative and providing support to numerous small and medium enterprises engaged in defense production.

Prime Minister’s Endorsement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a proponent of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), recently flew a sortie in a Tejas trainer variant, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to pilot a combat aircraft. Reflecting on his experience, he remarked that it “significantly bolstered my confidence in our country's indigenous capabilities” and expressed hope for India's defense potential.

Technological Advancements

The Tejas Mark 1A is equipped with advanced avionics, radar systems, and enhanced operational capabilities compared to earlier models. According to defense sources, this aircraft will improve the IAF's operational readiness, flexibility, and performance.

Looking forward, HAL is anticipated to secure orders for over 200 LCA Mark 2 jets and the fifth-generation AMCA fighter, which aligns with India’s long-term goal of self-reliance in aerospace and defense technology.

Broader Defence Modernisation

This order is part of a broader initiative to modernize India’s armed forces, which includes the purchase of 156 LCH Prachand helicopters and upgrades for 84 Su-30MKI fighters, with a total investment of Rs 1.6 lakh crore.

The induction and expanded production of the Tejas Mark 1A highlight India's commitment to indigenization, strategic autonomy, and state-of-the-art air combat capabilities for the IAF.