Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet deal worth ₹62,000 crore approved to strengthen IAF with 97 indigenous jets. HAL to manufacture, boosting Make in India defence sector.
India Approves ₹62,000-Crore Deal for 97 Tejas Mark 1A Jets to Strengthen IAF Fleet
Government Clears Major Defence Deal
The Government of India, through the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), has approved the procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets at an estimated cost of ₹62,000 crore, marking a landmark step under the “Make in India” defence initiative
Boosting Indigenous Defence Production
This contract significantly strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The Tejas Mark 1A—featuring over 65% indigenous content—will now be produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), delivering a powerful endorsement of domestic aerospace capabilities
Operational Advantages for the Air Force
Equipped with advanced avionics, improved radar systems, and enhanced weapon integration, the Tejas Mark 1A jets are slated to replace the MiG-21 fleet, offering superior operational effectiveness and safety for the Indian Air Force (IAF)
Economic Impact and Defence Ecosystem
Alongside national security benefits, the order is a significant economic stimulus—HAL and allied small and medium enterprises across India’s defence sector are expected to gain from the production chain expansion
Strategic Outlook and Future Roadmap
This second major order for the Mark 1A variant comes after an earlier contract for 83 jets worth ₹48,000 crore, bringing the total to 180 aircraft on order Additionally, the procurement reinforces India’s long-term strategy to enhance its defence fleet via Tejas Mk2 and advanced stealth aircraft under development
B) Why This News Is Important
Strengthening National Security
This ₹62,000-crore procurement marks a major leap in modernizing the Indian Air Force’s capabilities, as the technologically superior Tejas Mark 1A replaces the older MiG-21 fighters—enhancing preparedness in a dynamic regional security environment.
Driving Indigenous Manufacturing
The move directly supports Atmanirbhar Bharat by ensuring over 65% of the jet’s components are sourced locally. Production via HAL and associated SMEs is projected to generate widespread economic benefits and reinforce the domestic defence ecosystem.
Boosting Investors’ Confidence
Following the announcement, major defence stocks such as HAL and BDL saw stock price rallies of up to 3.5–4%, indicating investor optimism about India’s domestic defence manufacturing growth
Aligning with Strategic Autonomy
The deal enhances India’s strategic autonomy by reducing dependence on foreign platforms. It aligns with the broader Make in India and defence self-reliance vision championed by the government, positioning India as a growing global defence contributor.
Implications for Exam Aspirants
For students targeting government exams, this news combines crucial themes: defence policy, public procurement, strategic manufacturing, economic stimulus, and India’s aerospace ambitions—making it high-yield content for current affairs preparation.
C) Historical Context
Evolution of the Tejas Programme
The LCA Tejas project began as India’s indigenous fighter development effort following the phasing out of older aircraft. Initial orders included LCAs delivered from 2016 onward, with increasing levels of localization and successive improvements.
Earlier Orders and Progress
In February 2021, India placed the first ₹48,000 crore order for 83 Tejas Mark 1A jets, marking a ramp-up in indigenous production
Growing Indigenous Content
Technological evolution led to over 65% domestic content in the Mark 1A variant, showcasing India’s rise in core aerospace manufacturing.
Strategic Endorsements
Prime Minister Modi’s involvement, including a personal sortie in the Tejas trainer variant, underscored the project’s importance and boosted public confidence in indigenous design and production
Ongoing Roadmaps
The Defence Acquisition Council launched Buy (Indian-IDDM) processes for additional Mark 1A jets, while the Tejas Mk2 prototype is being prepared, with a first flight expected by 2026 and induction by late 2020s
D) Key Takeaways from Tejas Mark 1A Deal
| Sl. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Government approved ₹62,000-crore purchase of 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets. |
| 2 | These jets will have over 65% indigenous components, reinforcing Make in India. |
| 3 | Tejas Mark 1A will replace aging MiG-21 fleet and boost IAF’s combat readiness. |
| 4 | This order follows an earlier contract for 83 jets; total Mark 1A jets ordered now 180. |
| 5 | The deal will fuel domestic defence manufacturing and support HAL and SMEs. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Tejas Mark 1A jets has India approved for procurement in 2025?
India has approved the procurement of 97 Tejas Mark 1A jets worth around ₹62,000 crore.
2. Which organization will manufacture the Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets?
The jets will be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
3. What percentage of the Tejas Mark 1A is indigenously built?
The aircraft has over 65% indigenous content, showcasing India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
4. Which aircraft will the Tejas Mark 1A replace in the Indian Air Force?
The Tejas Mark 1A will replace the aging MiG-21 fleet.
5. What was the earlier Tejas Mark 1A order placed before this deal?
In February 2021, India placed an order worth ₹48,000 crore for 83 Tejas Mark 1A jets.
6. Why is this deal significant for India’s economy?
The deal will boost indigenous defence manufacturing, create employment, and benefit multiple SMEs in the defence ecosystem.
7. Which committee approved the Tejas Mark 1A procurement?
The approval came from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
8. What kind of upgrades does the Tejas Mark 1A have?
It includes advanced radar systems, modern avionics, and enhanced weapons integration.
9. How many total Tejas Mark 1A jets are on order now?
After this deal, the total stands at 180 jets (83 + 97).
10. Why is this news important for competitive exams?
It touches upon defence policy, Make in India, economic growth, and national security, making it relevant for General Awareness sections of UPSC, State PCS, Banking, Railways, Defence, and SSC exams.
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