In a significant move to bolster its indigenous defense capabilities and enhance its air force, the Indian government has given the green light for the acquisition of 97 LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets and six Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. This decision, made in a high-level meeting, is a major boost to the "Make in India" initiative and will significantly strengthen the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The acquisition of the 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets, worth approximately Rs 62,000 crore, marks the second major order for these indigenously developed aircraft. A previous order for 83 jets was placed a few years ago for around Rs 48,000 crore. With the new order, the total number of Tejas Mark 1A jets for the IAF will reach 180, solidifying the aircraft's role in the nation's air defense strategy. Deliveries for the 97 jets are expected to commence around 2028 and be completed by 2031. These jets are intended to replace the IAF's aging fleet of MiG-21s, which are currently being phased out.
The Tejas Mark 1A is a single-engine, multirole fighter aircraft designed to operate in high-threat air environments and carry out air defense, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions. More than 65% of the components in the new aircraft are of indigenous origin, highlighting India's growing self-reliance in aerospace technology. The Tejas programme has strong backing from both the Ministry of Defence and Air Force Headquarters, and is seen as a major push under the "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives. The project is also expected to benefit hundreds of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) involved in manufacturing defense components across India.
In addition to the Tejas jets, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is also expected to clear the procurement of six Netra Mk1A Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. This acquisition, valued at approximately Rs 9,000 crore, aims to triple the IAF's AEW&C fleet and address critical gaps in India's air defense architecture. The airframes for these aircraft will be sourced from Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer, with modifications carried out by the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The Netra Mk1A is an advanced version of the DRDO-developed Netra Mk1 AEW&C system, which has proven its operational capabilities in high-stakes scenarios. The IAF currently operates three Netra Mk1 systems, with one additional unit managed by CABS for research and development. The addition of six Netra Mk1A aircraft will significantly enhance the IAF's ability to detect low-flying threats, track enemy aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, and coordinate multi-domain operations.
The acquisition of these AEW&C aircraft is particularly important in light of China's deployment of over 30 AWACS, including the KJ-500, near Indian borders. While the Netra Mk1A offers 240-degree coverage, plans are also underway for the Netra Mk2, which will use Airbus A-321 airframes to provide 300-degree coverage, and the future Netra Mk3, aiming for 360-degree coverage with a dome-based AESA radar.
These acquisitions demonstrate India's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities through indigenous production and strategic partnerships. The Tejas Mark 1A and Netra Mk1A will play a crucial role in enhancing the IAF's operational readiness and ensuring the nation's security.
