₹62,000 Crore Mega Deal: Indian Air Force to Get 97 Tejas Mark 1A Fighters | Biggest Defence Boost for Make in India
The Indian government has given a historic approval worth ₹62,000 crore for the purchase of 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This is not just a big military deal but also a milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. With this decision, the Tejas program, spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), gets one of the biggest boosts in its history.
This move will significantly increase the combat strength of the IAF, reduce dependency on foreign imports, and showcase India’s growing capability to design, develop, and manufacture advanced defence systems.
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Why This Deal Matters: The Numbers Behind the Decision
Value of Deal: ₹62,000 crore (around $7.5 billion).
Number of Aircraft: 97 Tejas Mark 1A.
Supplier: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Timeline: Deliveries expected in phases over the next 8–10 years.
Previous Orders: Earlier, 83 Tejas Mark 1A fighters were cleared in 2021. This new order raises the total to 180+ aircraft.
With this, the IAF will operate over 200 Tejas jets, making it one of the largest indigenous fighter fleets in Asia.
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Tejas Mark 1A – Features That Make It a Game-Changer
The Tejas Mark 1A is an advanced variant of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program. Here are the key highlights:
1. Advanced Avionics
Equipped with modern Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
Better electronic warfare (EW) capabilities.
Improved data link systems for network-centric warfare.
2. Weapons Capability
Can carry air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship weapons.
Compatible with Indian weapons like Astra beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles.
Ability to integrate international weapons platforms.
3. Design & Maneuverability
Lightweight yet highly maneuverable.
Capable of supersonic speeds (Mach 1.6).
Enhanced endurance and payload compared to earlier versions.
4. Pilot Safety & Comfort
Advanced cockpit with glass displays.
Better radar warning receiver (RWR).
Modern self-protection systems.
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Role of HAL: Backbone of India’s Aerospace Industry
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is the state-owned aerospace and defence giant responsible for designing, manufacturing, and maintaining the Tejas jets.
HAL has already delivered over 30 Tejas aircraft to the IAF.
With this new order, HAL’s production lines will run at full capacity for years.
It strengthens the domestic defence ecosystem by involving hundreds of MSMEs, private suppliers, and startups.
This deal ensures job creation, technology transfer, and a boost to India’s GDP through domestic defence manufacturing.
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Boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat & Make in India
The government has been pushing the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative across sectors, and defence is at the top of the agenda.
Over 75% of the Tejas components are indigenously sourced.
The jet is a symbol of India’s ability to reduce dependency on foreign fighters like MiG-21s, Mirage-2000s, and Sukhois.
The project strengthens strategic autonomy by ensuring India does not rely solely on Western or Russian aircraft.
This is why the ₹62,000 crore Tejas deal is considered the largest ever Make in India defence contract.
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Indian Air Force Modernization: Replacing the MiG-21s
For decades, the MiG-21s were the backbone of the Indian Air Force. However, they are now outdated and being phased out. The Tejas jets will replace MiG-21 squadrons, giving the IAF a much-needed technological leap.
By 2030, most of the ageing MiG aircraft will retire.
Tejas squadrons will form the new “workhorse” of IAF’s combat power.
Along with Rafale, Su-30MKI, and future AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), Tejas will complete India’s multi-layered air defence system.
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International Interest in Tejas
India is not only producing Tejas for itself but also showcasing it for exports. Countries like Malaysia, Argentina, Egypt, and Philippines have expressed interest in the Tejas platform.
With this new order strengthening its production line, HAL will be able to offer Tejas for global defence markets more competitively.
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Future Roadmap – From Tejas to AMCA
While Tejas Mark 1A is a critical step, India is already working on next-generation fighters:
1. Tejas Mark 2 – Medium Weight Fighter (MWF) with more powerful engines and longer range.
2. AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) – India’s 5th-generation stealth fighter project.
3. Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) – Designed for Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers.
Thus, the Tejas program is laying the foundation for India’s future indigenous fighter jets.
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Economic & Strategic Impact
This ₹62,000 crore defence deal has multiple impacts:
Military Strength: Enhances IAF’s ability to respond to threats from China and Pakistan.
Economic Growth: Thousands of jobs in aerospace, defence, and ancillary industries.
Technological Edge: Development of cutting-edge avionics, radars, and weapons integration.
Strategic Autonomy: Reduces dependency on costly imports from the US, Russia, or Europe.
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Conclusion
The approval of 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighters for ₹62,000 crore is more than just a defence purchase—it is a statement of India’s determination to achieve self-reliance in defence. For the Indian Air Force, this means greater combat readiness and modernization. For Make in India, this is a landmark achievement that boosts indigenous innovation and global recognition.
The Tejas story reflects India’s transformation from being an import-dependent nation to becoming a global aerospace player. In the coming decade, with the Tejas Mark 2 and AMCA projects, India could firmly establish itself as a military aviation hub.
This deal is not just about jets—it is about national pride, security, and the future of Indian defence manufacturing.
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