India Allocates $7.1 Billion for 97 New Air Force Fighter Jets

DELHI- The Government of India has approved the procurement of 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a total cost of ₹62,000 crore (approximately US$7.1 billion). This significant order allows Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to increase production and enhance the homegrown fighter fleet.

This new acquisition follows a previous contract for 83 jets valued at around ₹48,000 crore (US$5.5 billion). Consequently, the IAF will operate a total of 180 Tejas Mark 1A aircraft, which will replace the aging MiG-21s across several air bases, including New Delhi.

India Approves Tejas Fighter Jet Deal

This order represents the second major procurement of the Tejas Mark 1A, signaling a pivotal change in India’s defense acquisition approach.

The indigenous program, strongly supported by the Defence Ministry and Air Headquarters, aims to ensure long-term fleet standardization and minimize dependence on foreign imports.

Officials have indicated this initiative supports hundreds of small and medium enterprises in defense manufacturing, creating a robust ecosystem for the aerospace sector.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a key supporter of HAL and the Tejas initiative. He notably became the first Indian Prime Minister to pilot a trainer variant of the Tejas, underscoring the government’s dedication to enhancing indigenous defense capabilities.

Tejas Mark 1A Features

The Tejas Mark 1A is an upgraded variant of the original Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), featuring superior avionics, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, and advanced radar systems, making it more agile and combat-ready than the initial batch of LCAs.

According to defense sources, over 65% of its components are sourced from within India, marking a significant step toward achieving aerospace self-reliance.

Former Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari announced the addition of 97 jets during a visit to Spain, highlighting the Air Force’s strategic vision towards bolstering its indigenous fleet.

HAL’s Expanding Defense Portfolio

HAL has received multiple orders for aircraft, helicopters, and engines under the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat programs.

The company may soon secure contracts for over 200 LCA Mark 2 fighters, as well as a significant number of fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

In addition to the Tejas order, the Defence Acquisition Council recently endorsed proposals worth ₹1.6 lakh crore, including 156 Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand units and upgrades for 84 Su-30MKI fighters. These initiatives illustrate India’s commitment to establishing a sustainable indigenous defense infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Tejas aircraft was inducted into the IAF in 2016, with two squadrons currently operating them.

Deliveries for the previously contracted 83 Mark 1A jets, valued at ₹36,468 crore, are expected to commence by February 2024.

With this new acquisition, the Tejas fleet is poised to become a crucial component of the IAF, marking the largest fighter group as the MiG-21s are phased out.