Centre Seals ₹62,000 Crore Deal for 97 Tejas Mk-1A Fighter Jets
On 25 September 2025, the Indian Ministry of Defence signed a major contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to buy 97 Tejas Mk-1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) for roughly ₹62,000–₹62,370 crore — a blockbuster indigenous procurement aimed at strengthening the Indian Air Force while boosting domestic aerospace capability. The package reportedly includes 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seat aircraft, along with supporting equipment and spares, and deliveries are slated to begin in the 2027–28 timeframe. This marks a big step for India’s “Make in India” defence push and is closely tied to HAL’s production ramp-up and engine supplies from GE.
- What: Purchase of 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft.
- Who: Contract signed between the Ministry of Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- How much: About ₹62,000–₹62,370 crore (reports vary in rounding).
- When deliveries start: Official media report deliveries will begin in 2027–28 and continue over the following years.
- Split: Reports indicate 68 single-seaters and 29 twin-seat variants plus equipment/spares/support.
FAQs
Q1: How many Tejas Mk-1A jets did the government order and what’s the contract value?
A: The government signed for 97 Tejas Mk-1A jets in a deal reported at around ₹62,000–₹62,370 crore.
Q2: When will the aircraft be delivered to the Indian Air Force?
A: Official media reporting indicates deliveries will begin around 2027–28 and continue over subsequent years, subject to engine and supply-chain timelines.
Q3: What are the main improvements in the Mk-1A versus earlier Tejas variants?
A: Mk-1A includes dozens of upgrades: AESA radar options (including Uttam), improved EW suites, in-flight refuelling, updated avionics, and a broader weapons suite, making it far more capable than earlier marks
Q4: Is the Tejas Mk-1A fully indigenous?
A: The Tejas program is largely indigenous in design and assembly, but it still uses some imported systems — notably the GE F404 engine and some subsystems. The Mk-1A pushes higher local content but is not 100% domestically sourced yet.
Q5: Could this deal lead to Tejas exports in the future?
A: Potentially, yes. If HAL stabilises production and the platform proves reliable in service, Tejas could become an export candidate for air forces seeking modern yet cost-effective fighters. But exports depend on production reliability, performance, and international marketing efforts.
