India Orders 97 Tejas Mk1A Jets in $7 billion Deal
India’s Ministry of Defence has signed a major contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the production of 97 Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), marking one of the largest indigenous fighter jet orders in the country’s history.
According to an announcement from the Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, the agreement — valued at Rs 62,370 crore (about $7 billion) excluding taxes — was signed in New Delhi under the “Buy (India-IDDM)” category. The deal covers 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seater variants, along with associated equipment.
The new aircraft will replace the IAF’s aging fleet of Cold War-era MiG-21 fighters, enhancing the service’s combat capability and advancing India’s long-term goal of self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027–2028.
The LCA Mk1A is an upgraded version of the Tejas fighter, featuring advanced avionics, sensors, and survivability systems. The aircraft integrates the UTTAM active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, the Swayam Raksha Kavach self-protection suite, and improved control actuators. The platform’s indigenous content exceeds 64% and includes 67 new domestically developed components.
The Ministry of Defence said the program will involve more than 105 Indian suppliers and generate an estimated 11,750 jobs annually over a six-year period. Officials emphasized that the procurement is not only a major boost to the IAF’s modernization plans but also a milestone in India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) defense strategy.
The Tejas Mk1A, manufactured by HAL, is a multirole light fighter designed for air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. Its latest upgrades include enhanced radar range, improved electronic warfare capabilities, and expanded weapons integration, allowing the aircraft to carry a wide array of precision-guided munitions and air-to-air missiles.
In a statement, the Ministry said the contract “will strengthen India’s defense preparedness and operational capability, while driving domestic innovation and industrial growth.” HAL officials noted that the company’s production facilities are ready to support large-scale manufacturing and ensure timely delivery of the new aircraft to the IAF.
The Tejas program has been a central element of India’s efforts to develop and field an indigenous fighter fleet, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. With this order, the IAF’s Tejas inventory will expand substantially, complementing existing fleets of Su-30MKI, Rafale, and Mirage 2000 aircraft.