India Approves ₹62,000 Crore Deal for 97 Tejas Mark 1A Jets to Strengthen IAF Fleet

In a landmark step towards self-reliance in defence, the Indian government has approved a ₹62,000 crore deal for the purchase of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark 1A jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The decision, cleared in a high-level meeting on August 19, 2025, paves the way for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to begin large-scale production, further strengthening India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities.

Expanding the Indigenous Fighter Fleet

This is the second major order for the Mark 1A variant,

• Earlier order: 83 aircraft worth ₹48,000 crore.
• New order: 97 aircraft worth ₹62,000 crore.
• Combined strength: 180 Tejas Mark 1A jets.

The new fleet will replace the ageing MiG-21 aircraft, which are set to be retired soon, and eventually form the backbone of India’s fighter squadrons.

Tejas Mark 1A: A Boost for Make in India

• The deal is a significant push for the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, with the Tejas programme acting as a flagship of indigenous defence manufacturing.
• 65% indigenous content, involving hundreds of MSMEs in the supply chain.
• Advanced avionics, upgraded radar, and electronic warfare systems compared to earlier LCAs.
• Enhanced operational readiness and reduced dependence on imports.
• This order will also generate jobs, stimulate domestic industries, and expand India’s defence exports potential.

Future Roadmap: Towards Tejas Mark 2 and AMCA

The Tejas Mark 1A order is part of a broader modernization plan for the IAF,

• Tejas Mark 2: HAL is expected to receive orders for 200+ units.
• Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA): India’s indigenous 5th-generation fighter, with potential for 200+ units.

Recent approvals

• 156 LCH Prachand helicopters.
• Upgrade of 84 Su-30MKI fighters.
• Collectively worth ₹1.6 lakh crore.
• These acquisitions highlight India’s strategy of phasing out legacy aircraft and building a modern, indigenous fleet.

Historical Context

• First Tejas induction: 2016.
• Current status: Two IAF squadrons operational.
• Orders placed: ₹36,468 crore for 83 Mark 1A jets (deliveries began Feb 2024).
• Expected role: Largest fighter fleet in IAF, gradually replacing older Soviet-era aircraft.

Strategic Importance

• Strengthening IAF Capability – Replaces MiG-21s with a modern, indigenous platform.
• Boost to Defence Manufacturing – Strengthens HAL and hundreds of local suppliers.
• Self-Reliance in Aerospace – Reduces import dependency and promotes exports.
• Operational Edge – Enhanced radar, avionics, and warfare systems improve combat readiness.
• Economic Growth – Large-scale domestic production stimulates jobs and industry.