The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has solidified its commitment to indigenous defense production by signing a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 97 LCA Tejas Mk-1A aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The deal, valued at ₹62,370 crore (excluding taxes), encompasses 68 fighter jets and 29 twin-seat trainers, along with associated equipment. This acquisition aims to boost the IAF's operational capabilities and strengthen the nation's defense preparedness. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2027-28 and be completed within six years.

This procurement is especially significant as the IAF is phasing out its MiG-21 squadrons, with the last one retiring on Friday. This leaves the IAF with fewer than 30 fighter squadrons, against the officially required 42 to handle potential challenges. The Tejas Mk-1A will play a crucial role in mitigating this reduction in combat squadrons.

The Tejas Mk-1A is the most advanced variant of the indigenously designed and manufactured Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). It features advanced systems, including the Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach, and indigenous control surface actuators. Compared to the 2021 contract, this variant boasts over 64% indigenous content and incorporates 67 new items. The Ministry of Defence emphasizes that this procurement aligns with the "Buy (India-IDDM)" category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, further promoting self-reliance in defense.

The program is expected to have a substantial impact on job creation, with an estimated 11,750 direct and indirect jobs generated annually during the production period. It is supported by a supply chain of approximately 105 Indian companies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has affirmed that the HAL-supplied aircraft will enhance the IAF's operational capabilities, enabling unhindered operations and bolstering the country's defense readiness. He also expressed confidence in the indigenously developed Tejas, highlighting its role as the mainstay of the IAF in the years to come.

With this new order, once completed in the stipulated timeframe, the IAF will have a formidable fleet comprising 40 LCA Tejas, over 180 LCA Mark-1A, and at least 120 LCA Mark-2 aircraft. The Tejas is a multirole platform designed for air defense, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions. The LCA Mk-1A boasts updated avionics, an advanced electronic warfare suite, and beyond-visual-range missile capabilities.

HAL has been scaling up its production infrastructure to meet the increasing demand. The company currently operates two production lines in Bengaluru and one in Nashik. By 2026, a fourth production line is expected to be operational, pushing the capacity to 32 jets per year. HAL assures that deliveries for the 97-jet order will commence in 2027-28, following the completion of the initial order of 83 aircraft, and conclude by 2031.

This contract builds upon a previous order of 83 Tejas Mk 1A aircraft placed in 2021. Once the current order is fulfilled, the IAF will have over 180 LCA Mk-1A aircraft, equipping nine dedicated squadrons by the early 2030s. This will significantly address the IAF's squadron shortage and replace aging fleets.

The first Tejas jets were inducted into the Air Force in 2016. The recent commissioning is for the fourth-generation version, the Mk-1A. The Tejas Mk1A integrates the Uttam active electronically steered radar (AESA) Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach, and control actuators, with over 64% indigenous content and 67 new indigenous items.