India has finalised a ₹623.7 billion agreement to purchase domestically manufactured Tejas fighter jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). This move supports its military modernisation efforts amid growing regional tensions caused by China’s expanding influence and strengthened defence relations with Pakistan.
The Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of 97 locally developed Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets, with production and deliveries scheduled to begin over six years, starting in the 2027–28 financial year.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the Indian Air Force will be strengthened with the addition of 97 Tejas Mk-1A jets supplied by HAL, boosting its combat readiness.
The agreement was announced a day before India’s final Soviet-era MiG-21 flight, which will decrease the IAF’s active squadrons to 29, far below the authorised 42. Equipped with GE engines, the Tejas Mk-1A order seeks to retire ageing aircraft and address significant capability gaps.
The 2021 contract with HAL for 83 Tejas jets has been postponed because of GE’s engine delivery problems, which were caused by pandemic-related supply chain disruptions.
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GE delivered the first Mk-1A engine in March, and officials anticipate more stable production later this year. This new order will increase India’s Tejas fleet to 220 aircraft, with additional engine agreements likely to follow.
