India Inks ₹62,370 Crore Deal With HAL for 97 Tejas Mk-1A Jets to Strengthen IAF
In a significant move to enhance India's air combat capabilities and promote domestic manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence has signed a substantial contract exceeding ₹62,370 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This agreement involves acquiring 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A for the Indian Air Force.
The contract includes 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seater variants, along with necessary equipment. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027–28, with completion expected within six years. This deal follows a previous ₹48,000 crore contract from January 2021 for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets.
According to the Defence Ministry, the new Tejas Mk-1A contract will incorporate over 64% indigenous content, featuring 67 additional locally developed components compared to earlier models. Enhancements include advanced systems like the UTTAM AESA radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach self-protection suite, and indigenous control surface actuators.
Officials highlighted that the agreement aligns with the government's 'Buy (India-IDDM)' initiative under the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, emphasizing self-reliance in defense production.
The large-scale production of these aircraft is anticipated to create approximately 11,750 jobs annually, both direct and indirect, over six years. This effort is supported by a robust vendor network of over 105 Indian companies supplying crucial components. Defence officials indicated that this program will significantly advance the domestic aerospace and defense sectors, yielding long-term technological and economic benefits.
The Tejas Mk-1A, with enhanced strike capabilities through indigenous avionics and modern weapon integration, will address the void left by the retiring MiG-21 fleet. The new jets aim to bolster the Indian Air Force's squadron strength, providing fast, dependable, and combat-ready aircraft designed for contemporary warfare.
Defence analysts have praised the agreement as a pivotal step in India's military modernization efforts. Beyond strengthening the Indian Air Force, the contract sets the stage for future indigenous projects like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Officials remarked that the deal not only showcases India's growing technical expertise but also its ambition to become a global leader in aerospace manufacturing.
