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End Of MiG Era: IAF Is Now Waiting For This Fighter Jet, Orders Worth Rs 48,000 Crore Placed
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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
