HAL Confirms Massive Rs 1.3 Lakh Crore Order for 97 Tejas Mk1A Jets and 156 Prachand Helicopters in Coming Months, Production to Ramp Up

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to receive a significant boost to its indigenous aircraft programs with the announcement of impending orders for 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets and 156 Prachand helicopters.

This news, revealed by HAL Chief DK Sunil at Aero India 2025, represents a major step forward for India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to bolster self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The combined value of these orders is estimated to be a substantial Rs 1.3 lakh crore.

The Tejas Mk1A, a domestically designed and developed multi-role fighter aircraft, is a key component of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) modernization plans. This anticipated order for 97 additional jets follows an initial order for 40 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, which are already in production. With the IAF aiming to procure a total of 180 Tejas Mk1A, HAL is gearing up for a substantial increase in production capacity.

To meet this growing demand, HAL will need to significantly ramp up its production rate. Currently producing approximately 16 Tejas Mk1A jets per year, HAL plans to increase this to 24 jets annually within the next 2 to 3 years, and eventually to 32 jets per year. This ambitious target will necessitate significant investments in infrastructure, upgrades to manufacturing capabilities, and expansion of the workforce.

The Tejas Mk1A boasts significant improvements over its predecessors, including enhanced avionics, advanced radar systems, and expanded weapon integration capabilities. By increasing domestic production, HAL and the IAF aim to reduce reliance on foreign-made fighter jets, enhancing India's defence capabilities and strategic autonomy.

In addition to the Tejas Mk1A, HAL is also anticipating an order for 156 Prachand helicopters. This light combat helicopter (LCH) is specifically designed for operations in challenging high-altitude environments like the Siachen Glacier and the rugged terrains along India's borders.

The Prachand, currently undergoing operational trials, is a versatile asset capable of performing a variety of missions, including counter-insurgency operations, search and rescue, close air support, and anti-tank warfare. Its lightweight design, agility, and advanced weapon systems make it a valuable addition to the Indian armed forces.

These upcoming orders represent a significant investment in India's defence capabilities and underscore the country's commitment to self-reliance in defence production. By boosting domestic manufacturing of advanced aircraft like the Tejas Mk1A and Prachand helicopter, India is taking major strides towards strengthening its defence industrial base and securing its strategic autonomy.

 

[Col ( Retd.) P K Dogra]

There is every merit in making HAL responsible and accountable for timely deliveries of aircraft. But something which is beyond their control cannot be put down their throat. The political class, haded by Honourable PM must do all that they can to ensure fastest deliveries of the .uch needed engines.
Further, it .ay be worthwhile to go for private sector to manufacture these through transfer of technology and they intern should meet the HAL and IAF deadlines for the deliveries.
Manufacturing adequate No of airframe of all kinds is not a problem for HAL and they would reasonably carryout the integration of the engines ,if and when provided on time.
The mission of Atam Nirbhar Bharat cannot be lost sight off and the nation's ability to secure its defence on all fronts, including the air , must be a top priority without any arm twisting by foreign suppliers.

 

[sajal datta]

First of all HAL needs clear the air about its ability to honour the orders from IAF. If they can not clear the large backlog it should not take any new orders. May be HAL should increase its capacity. The Airforce can not afford any further delay.

 

[Ammoman]

HAL is a black hole only gulping orders. Nothing coming out in terms of deliveries. All furthers should be put on hold till HAL actually delivers planes rather than promises and excuses for non-deliveries!

Someone must be making money somewhere. Who cares about Indian security.

 

[Ammoman]

Without F404 engines, deliveries are not going anywhere.

There are lots of engines. The plane is not ready for engines. GE is nice enough to be the fall guy. US public companies always deliver on time. They have made 1000s of these engines. There are hundreds of new engines all over the world sitting in crates just incase the engine fails on other jets. Everyone in the industry knows this. Its a cash cow for GE.

 

[Ammoman]

"No work, only pay commission, DA, and pension. The government needs to privatize all non-performing, lethargic organizations on an urgent basis.

Too many political appointees with cushy jobs who don't even know what a jet is and still think you can hide behind a cloud and the radar won't see you. Like what Modi said. Very scary.