End Of MiG Era: IAF Is Now Waiting For This Fighter Jet, Orders Worth Rs 48,000 Crore Placed
Last Updated:
Timely delivery of Tejas MK-1A fighter jets is vital for the Indian Air Force to effectively replace its ageing fleet and maintain its combat readiness and strategic strength
In a major step towards modernising its Air Force, India has reportedly started to phase out ageing fighter jets such as the MiG-21, MiG-27, and Jaguar. Given its shared borders with Pakistan and China, India is now focused on building a new fleet of advanced fighter aircraft to keep its Armed Forces well-equipped and future-ready.
India is simultaneously purchasing fighter jets from other countries and developing its own through indigenous technology. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has made substantial progress in this domain.
In February 2021, the Indian Air Force awarded HAL a contract worth Rs 48,000 crore for 83 TEJAS MK-1A fighter jets, with deliveries starting in March 2024. However, delays in acquiring the necessary engine technology have postponed the supply.
Air Force Chief Air Marshal Amarpreet Singh reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over these delays. The American company General Electric Aerospace (GE Aerospace) failed to supply the F404 engine on time, causing the hold-up.
The TEJAS MK-1A stands out due to the following features:
Ultra-Modern Radar: The TEJAS MK-1A fighter jet is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system. An indigenously developed AESA radar has been installed in it.
Modern Electronic Warfare System: The Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS) has been added to the TEJAS MK-1A. An advanced self-protection jammer has also been integrated into it.
Along with air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles can also be used in this fighter jet.
HAL has announced that General Electric Aerospace supplied the first F404-IN20 engine in March 2025, and the first TEJAS MK-1A will be delivered by the end of June 2025 from the Nashik production line. There are already two production lines in Bengaluru, and a third has been established to address delays and urgent Air Force demand, enabling the expedited production of fighter jets.
HAL Chairman Dr. DK Sunil, who faced criticism for the delays, assured that once the engine supply normalises, TEJAS MK-1A fighter jets will be delivered as soon as possible. The structure of the TEJAS MK-1A is fully ready, and production will commence immediately upon receipt of the engines, he said. Each production line can produce eight TEJAS MK-1A fighter jets per year, meaning a total of 24 jets can be manufactured annually across three lines.
Why Is TEJAS MK-1A Necessary?
The timely delivery of Tejas MK-1A fighter aircraft is crucial for the Indian Air Force as it seeks to replace its ageing fleet. During this transition, the Tejas will play a vital role in maintaining the Air Force's strategic capabilities.
The Ministry of Defence has stated that production of the Tejas MK-1A will proceed as planned from 2025-26, with HAL manufacturing 16 to 24 aircraft annually. This will not only accelerate production but also mark a significant milestone in the country's push for self-reliance.
The Indian Air Force has already ordered 83 units of the Tejas MK-1A and plans to add 97 more fighter jets, with the total cost estimated at around Rs 67,000 crore. After this expansion, the total number of Tejas MK-1A aircraft will reach 180.
First Published:
June 06, 2025, 15:15 IST
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
13 hours ago
- News18
End Of MiG Era: IAF Is Now Waiting For This Fighter Jet, Orders Worth Rs 48,000 Crore Placed
Last Updated: Timely delivery of Tejas MK-1A fighter jets is vital for the Indian Air Force to effectively replace its ageing fleet and maintain its combat readiness and strategic strength In a major step towards modernising its Air Force, India has reportedly started to phase out ageing fighter jets such as the MiG-21, MiG-27, and Jaguar. Given its shared borders with Pakistan and China, India is now focused on building a new fleet of advanced fighter aircraft to keep its Armed Forces well-equipped and future-ready. India is simultaneously purchasing fighter jets from other countries and developing its own through indigenous technology. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has made substantial progress in this domain. In February 2021, the Indian Air Force awarded HAL a contract worth Rs 48,000 crore for 83 TEJAS MK-1A fighter jets, with deliveries starting in March 2024. However, delays in acquiring the necessary engine technology have postponed the supply. Air Force Chief Air Marshal Amarpreet Singh reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over these delays. The American company General Electric Aerospace (GE Aerospace) failed to supply the F404 engine on time, causing the hold-up. The TEJAS MK-1A stands out due to the following features: Ultra-Modern Radar: The TEJAS MK-1A fighter jet is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system. An indigenously developed AESA radar has been installed in it. Modern Electronic Warfare System: The Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS) has been added to the TEJAS MK-1A. An advanced self-protection jammer has also been integrated into it. Along with air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles can also be used in this fighter jet. HAL has announced that General Electric Aerospace supplied the first F404-IN20 engine in March 2025, and the first TEJAS MK-1A will be delivered by the end of June 2025 from the Nashik production line. There are already two production lines in Bengaluru, and a third has been established to address delays and urgent Air Force demand, enabling the expedited production of fighter jets. HAL Chairman Dr. DK Sunil, who faced criticism for the delays, assured that once the engine supply normalises, TEJAS MK-1A fighter jets will be delivered as soon as possible. The structure of the TEJAS MK-1A is fully ready, and production will commence immediately upon receipt of the engines, he said. Each production line can produce eight TEJAS MK-1A fighter jets per year, meaning a total of 24 jets can be manufactured annually across three lines. Why Is TEJAS MK-1A Necessary? The timely delivery of Tejas MK-1A fighter aircraft is crucial for the Indian Air Force as it seeks to replace its ageing fleet. During this transition, the Tejas will play a vital role in maintaining the Air Force's strategic capabilities. The Ministry of Defence has stated that production of the Tejas MK-1A will proceed as planned from 2025-26, with HAL manufacturing 16 to 24 aircraft annually. This will not only accelerate production but also mark a significant milestone in the country's push for self-reliance. The Indian Air Force has already ordered 83 units of the Tejas MK-1A and plans to add 97 more fighter jets, with the total cost estimated at around Rs 67,000 crore. After this expansion, the total number of Tejas MK-1A aircraft will reach 180. First Published: June 06, 2025, 15:15 IST
NDTV
15 hours ago
- NDTV
Dassault's Landmark Production Deal With Tata: What It Could Mean For IAF
New Delhi: The landmark production transfer agreements announced by Dassault Aviation, which manufactures the Rafale fighter, and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) may be a key first step towards meeting a future Indian Air Force requirement for 114 multi-role fighters. While the Defence Ministry continues to diligently follow procedure as it conducts the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme for 114 fighters for the IAF, there is a clear mismatch between the immediate requirements of the IAF and the pace at which international fighter-jet manufacturers can deliver on any potential Indian order. Even if an order were placed today, it would likely take at least five years for the first deliveries to start entering the Indian Air Force given the existing pace of manufacture of the fighter aircraft which are in the fray to win the gigantic IAF order which could be worth upwards of $25 billion at present rates. In addition to the Rafale, which it already operates, the IAF is also considering the Swedish Gripen-E, the Lockheed-Martin manufactured F-21 (an advanced variant of the F-16), the Boeing F-18EX Eagle II, the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Russian Sukhoi 35 and the Boeing F/A-18 E/F. This is where the Dassault-TASL deal can be a game-changer. In a statement, the two partners have said the four production transfer agreements mark "a significant step towards strengthening the country's aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains." The investment in the project marks "a significant investment in India's aerospace infrastructure and will serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing." The partnership becomes key since the Rafale, which has found favour among a host of air forces around the world, is already under severe manufacturing strain. There is a present backlog of approximately 220 Rafale fighters which are already on order. This includes 164 export orders from Indonesia, Serbia, the UAE and from the Indian Navy, which has recently placed an order for 26 jets to be embarked on the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. At its present rate of manufacture, Dassault hopes to deliver 25 Rafales this year, that's up from 21 which were delivered in 2024. At its current rate of production, the backlog of Rafale jets could take between seven to ten years to clear, contingent of a significant ramping up of production. The Indian Navy, though, hopes to receive its first Rafale-M jet in mid-2028 with deliveries being completed by 2030, as per a specific arrangement. The Dassault-TASL agreement is expected to have a significant bearing, not just on potential Indian orders but also international requirements. Under the scope of the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems will set up a cutting-edge production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage and the front section. The first fuselage segments will roll off the Hyderabad manufacturing line in 2028. The goal is to deliver two complete fuselages per month. The final assembly of the Rafale take place at Dassault's production facility in Merignac, near Bordeaux in France. The Indian Air Force began the process to acquire 114 advanced fighter jets to fix its depleting squadron strength with a Request for Information (RFP) from international manufacturers in 2018. Seven years later, there has been no closure on the deal, despite repeated efforts from consecutive Air Force Chiefs to get the deal done. While the IAF is authorised to operate 42 squadrons (18 aircraft each), it presently operates about 31 squadrons, not enough to meet its operational requirements to defend airspace along the Pakistani and Chinese frontiers. In 2015, India scrapped its 2007 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender for 126 jets, instead acquiring just 36 Rafales from France in a $7.8 billion government-government deal signed in 2016. Pilots of the Indian Air Force whom NDTV have spoken to vouch for the Rafale fighter stating that its sensor-integration, cockpit interface and advanced weapons make it a game-changer. The IAF operates two squadrons of Rafales - based out of Ambala (Punjab) and Hasimara (West Bengal). Rafales deployed during Op Sindoor, are believed to have launched the SCALP air-launched cruise missile, a stealthy precision strike weapon known for its accuracy in striking targets. In April this year, the Indian Navy signed a deal worth approximately $7.6 billion to acquire 26 Rafale fighters to operate off the decks of its carriers. The fighter picked by the Navy in preference over Boeing's F/A-18 E/F which was also extensively tested.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Best of Both Sides: Despite drone warfare taking off, ground force is still the first line of defence
As the character of warfare evolves under the influence of emerging technologies, debates often intensify over the continued relevance of traditional arms of warfare — particularly the infantry and the Armoured Corps. The proliferation of stand-off weapons, precision-guided munitions (PGMs), drones, and AI-enhanced surveillance systems has altered the battlefield's shape, speed, and reach. However, while the tools of combat change, the fundamental truths of holding ground, establishing control, and projecting power remain unchanged. Recent operations, including Operation Sindoor and Spider's Web, offer critical lessons that reaffirm the indispensability of the infantry and the Armoured Corps. The Ukraine-Russia conflict has become a testing ground for 21st-century military technology. Ukraine's innovative use of low-cost drones to strike high-value targets deep within Russian territory has illustrated the disruptive potential of unmanned systems. Armed drones, kamikaze UAVs, and even commercial drones modified for tactical use have exposed vulnerabilities that were previously unthinkable. The line between war and a computer game is increasingly blurring, with targets neutralised at the push of a button. In India's own context, Operation Sindoor has highlighted how PGMs can deliver decisive outcomes from a distance. It demonstrated the efficacy of surgical strikes without mass troop deployment, reducing casualties and diplomatic blowback. The takeaway is clear: Warfare is increasingly sensor-fused, data-driven, and remotely executed. Yet, this techno-centric warfare cannot substitute for the physical presence and psychological dominance that infantry and armour bring to the theatre of war. Warfare is not only about destruction, it is about control. Holding ground, securing population centres, and enabling governance require troops on the ground. No drone or missile can walk through a village, establish a rapport with civilians, or separate insurgents from innocents. These are quintessential infantry tasks. Similarly, Armoured Corps units dominate open terrain, exploit breakthroughs, and serve as both sword and shield in high-intensity combat. Their ability to integrate makes them a force multiplier in combined arms warfare. In all classic operations of war — advance, attack, defence, withdrawal, and holding ground — the infantry and the Armoured Corps remain the backbone of land warfare. One of the most concerning realities is the relative lag in the modernisation of the Indian Army compared to the Air Force and Navy. While aircraft, ships, and submarines have embraced cutting-edge upgrades, the Army continues to operate legacy platforms in many cases. The infantry, for example, still lacks state-of-the-art personal protection, communication gear, and assault rifles across its ranks. The Armoured Corps, while equipped with the formidable T-90 and Arjun MBTs, faces obsolescence in terms of sensor suites, active protection systems, and integrated battle management systems. This inertia cannot persist. If future battlefields demand smarter weapons, then the platforms wielded by these units must also be 'smart'. This includes integrating night vision, UAV support, battlefield management systems, and secure communications as standard practice. India's unique geostrategic environment demands a boots-on-the-ground approach. The ongoing deployments in eastern Ladakh, the Siachen Glacier, and Arunachal Pradesh cannot be sustained through remote warfare alone. The terrain, climate, and altitude demand physical presence and human resilience. The Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield on Earth, is a case in point. Drones cannot survive the severe weather. PGMs cannot hold a post. Only well-acclimatised, trained troops can perform these roles. The infantry, supported by light mechanised elements and logistical services, ensures India's sovereignty in such unforgiving terrain. Moreover, as China builds infrastructure and troop concentrations near the LAC, the threat of a conventional high-altitude conflict looms large. A technologically enabled but physically present force becomes the first line of deterrence and defence. Beyond traditional threats, India faces hybrid and asymmetric challenges — most notably narco-terrorism, especially along its western border. Pakistan's alleged support to narcotics-based destabilisation seeks to finance insurgency and undermine internal stability. While drones and surveillance can detect movement, interdiction requires physical patrols, border domination, and search-and-destroy missions. Civil administration, likewise, cannot function in a vacuum. It requires a secure environment that only ground forces can ensure. From counter-insurgency in Kashmir to anti-Naxal operations in the Red Corridor, infantry has been the bulwark of India's internal-security architecture. This role cannot be supplanted by technology. The key takeaway is that technology and traditional combat arms must not be seen as mutually exclusive. The future lies in convergence, not replacement. The narrative that the infantry and Armoured Corps are relics of a bygone era is flawed and dangerous. While it is true that warfare is undergoing a transformation driven by technology, the essence of conflict — human will, physical control, and strategic presence — remains the same. No drone can hold a ridge. No missile can win hearts and minds. As India prepares for potential conflicts in an uncertain neighbourhood, it must modernise its ground forces while respecting their enduring value. Their role is not diminishing; it is evolving. The future lies in making them smarter, not obsolete. The writer is a lieutenant colonel (veteran), former Armoured Corps officer, defence analyst and strategic thinker
