The government has approved a ₹62,000-crore deal to acquire 97 additional LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF), marking a major push for India’s indigenous defence production.
The clearance, given in a high-level meeting on Tuesday, allows Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to commence production immediately. The new order will help the IAF retire its ageing MiG-21 fleet while strengthening the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Officials noted that the project will also benefit small and medium enterprises involved in the defence sector.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has actively supported HAL’s expansion, has overseen multiple indigenous defence projects. He previously made history by flying in a trainer variant of the Tejas, the first time an Indian PM piloted a combat aircraft.
The Mark 1A variant includes upgraded avionics and radar systems, with more than 65% indigenous content, an increase from the earlier batch of 40 jets. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari had earlier revealed plans to boost the LCA fleet while visiting Spain.
This acquisition reinforces India’s drive for self-reliance in defence and sets the stage for future HAL orders, including over 200 LCA Mark 2 jets and a similar number of fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
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