India has taken a bold step to strengthen its fighter jet fleet by approving a massive ₹62,000-crore deal for 97 brand-new Tejas Mark 1A jets. This move, finalized in a high-level government meeting, not only reinforces the Indian Air Force’s capabilities but also gives a significant push to the country’s homegrown defence industry.

Out With the Old, In With the Indigenous: The order arrives at a crucial time—India’s iconic MiG-21 fighters, which have served for decades, are being retired in the coming weeks. The freshly sanctioned Tejas Mark 1A jets, produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), will fill this gap, ensuring the Air Force continues to have a strong and modern fleet. With this purchase, India’s total order for Tejas Mark 1A jets jumps to 180, making it one of the largest indigenous aircraft induction programs in the country’s history.

What Makes Tejas Mark 1A Special?

The Mark 1A version isn’t just another fighter jet—it’s a leap forward for Indian technology and manufacturing. This model features cutting-edge avionics, advanced radar systems, and improved electronic warfare capabilities. More than 65% of each jet’s components are made in India, showcasing significant progress in domestic aerospace engineering.

These jets are designed to be agile, adaptable, and equipped for multirole combat, ensuring they meet varied operational needs. Their production will benefit hundreds of small and medium enterprises across the country, providing a major fillip to the defence manufacturing ecosystem under the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaigns.

A Vote of Confidence in HAL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has shown consistent support for HAL’s initiatives, placing several major orders in recent years for indigenous fighters, helicopters, and engines. In a symbolic gesture that underlines this trust, PM Modi himself took a sortie in the Tejas trainer aircraft—the first Indian Prime Minister ever to do so—publicly sharing his confidence in India’s defence manufacturing prowess.

Looking to the Future: This deal isn’t just about the present; it opens doors to more ambitious projects. HAL is already expecting orders for over 200 Mark 2 jets and similar numbers of fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, ensuring a steady pipeline of innovation and production for years ahead. Deliveries for the latest batch of Tejas jets are expected to begin soon, with HAL ramping up production capacity. The Air Force currently operates two squadrons of Tejas aircraft, but with these new orders, the Tejas fleet is set to become the backbone of India’s aerial defence strategy.

The Bottom Line: India’s approval of the ₹62,000-crore Tejas Mark 1A deal isn’t just a headline—it’s a statement about self-reliance, technological advancement, and smart defence planning. As the MiG-21s bow out, a new era led by homebuilt Tejas fighters is ready to take their place, promising both security in the skies and robust growth for the nation’s defence industry.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Firstpost.