IAF Moves Forward with RFP for 97 More Tejas Mk1A Fighter Jets, Set to Feature Over 65% Indigenous Content & Astra Mk1 BVRAAM

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is significantly expanding its fleet of indigenously-built Tejas fighter jets. Having issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 more Tejas Mk1A aircraft, the IAF is demonstrating its commitment to the "Make in India" initiative and its confidence in this homegrown fighter. This move follows the Defence Acquisition Council's (DAC) preliminary approval and marks a major step in modernizing the IAF's fighter fleet.

This new batch of Tejas Mk1A jets is set to feature over 65% indigenous content, a testament to India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The Mk1A variant represents a significant upgrade from the original Tejas Mk-1 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), incorporating several enhancements:

• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar: Providing superior situational awareness and targeting capabilities.
• Electronic Warfare Suite: Enhancing the aircraft's survivability in contested airspace.
• Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) capabilities: Specifically, the integration of the Astra Mk1 BVRAAM, indigenously developed by India.

Beyond the initial armament, the IAF plans to integrate new air-to-air missiles and precision munitions into the Tejas Mk1A's arsenal. While specifics on additional equipment remain unclear, the aircraft will continue to integrate the Rafael Derby BVRAAM alongside the Astra Mk1. The possibility of incorporating further weaponry or systems will depend on future negotiations and the evolving strategic needs of the IAF.

Though the Tejas Mk1A's maiden flight occurred in March 2024, delivery has been slightly delayed due to the incorporation of additional software enhancements requested by the IAF. The first two aircraft are now scheduled for handover around the time of Aero India 2025 in early February.

Furthermore, HAL will receive a new batch of four to six engines from GE Aviation, addressing a supply chain disruption that previously hindered Tejas Mk1A deliveries.

This procurement signifies a major milestone in India's journey towards self-reliance in defence production. The Tejas Mk1A, with its advanced capabilities and high indigenous content, will play a crucial role in strengthening the IAF's combat readiness and fulfilling its evolving operational requirements.

 

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[R. Singh]

Better power these 97 Tejas fighters with made in India GE-414 engine !

 

[Pilgrim56]

The million dollar Q is not when but whether we will recieve the GE 414 Engines at all..The US are famous for backstabbing and the policy wont change with Trump

 

[Vikas Yadav 007]

India should adopt strategies to make indigenous engine kavari or M88 should incorporated in Tejas MK1A with safran ,france collaboration or partner with EJ200 is the result of a European consortium 90+KN way ahead of GE F404 only 83KN.
Or case study for reliable partner like Russia AL 31 engine but it will require required major structural modification to accumulate 110KN thrust.. engine AL31 which is quite heavy.

USA is never a reliable partner and current supply of 99 engine for 83 Tejas MK1a will be delayed due to non supportive USa Stop /start policy adopted by GE for F404 engine.not even 1st engine supply till march 2025 . One engine per month...
IAF/Defence ministry ask to ADa /HAL to some structure modification will require to accumulate M88 -IV and Euro EJ200 engine with Thrust of 90KG+ which is sufficient for MK1a and distinctive advancements over USa GE engine and call new jet as Tejas Mk1b...
Also this technique will pressurise to GE which also started faster supply of 120engine of F414 for Tejas MK2 and 40for AmCA Mk 1..
80 future AmCA MK2 will accumulate indigenous engine of thrust 120Kn/m^3 wet thrust.

 

[sanket]

No timeline is mentioned for when GE will deliver the first engine or 4 to 6 engines, and how the first two Tejas MK1A will be delivered in February 2025 when there is no clarity from GE Aviation. The second article clearly states Tejas MK1A delay reasons: incorporation of additional software enhancements requested by the IAF and supply chain disruption for GE Aviation. But the most important thing is IAF support and confidence in indigenous fighter jets and tech weapons. Second, is the Rafael Derby the ER or the 50 km range outdated BVR, the old version of Derby? If it is the I-Derby ER, it would be a good combination with Astra MK1 on the Tejas MK1A platform.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Great News. Tejas mk1A is a capable fighter. But when will HAL deliver them? Earlier orders of mk1 trainers are still pending let alone 83 mk1A.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

For Tejas MK2, Apart from engine whatever is to be imported. A list should be made with specifications, testing and acceptance criteria and timelines. Let Indian companies and academia develop them. We understand some people will always be interested in imports.

 

[WarTech]

For Tejas MK2, Apart from engine whatever is to be imported. A list should be made with specifications, testing and acceptance criteria and timelines. Let Indian companies and academia develop them. We understand some people will always be interested in imports.

My man, they have engines for trainers. What are they doing with them? Hide and seek? They have everything ready for trainers and still aren't able to make jets.

 

[SR]

Already, our air force ordered around 180 Mk1a (83+97). Seeing this news of additional procurement when not even a single plane is getting delivered, I literally felt it as a joke. If this type of news was for Pakistan, I would have laughed, but sadly this is our country's news. All HAL employees, especially top cadres, should be put behind bars. Make new software to adjust the dimensions to fit the Russian RD-33 and mass-produce it, as we already have a license (it will surely take less time than the time GE is delaying) and show the middle finger to the US.

 

[AK S]

Great News. Tejas mk1A is a capable fighter. But when will HAL deliver them? Earlier orders of mk1 trainers are still pending let alone 83 mk1A.

Non-availablilty of GE F404 is the main issue even for the last 3 odd trainers. It’s difficult to align interests with the USA.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

These 97 be converted into Russian SU-75 with Indian avionics, computers and weapons using only the airframe Design and Russian engine. A single engine stealth based on combined Indian Russian collaboration will provide an aircraft which is stealthy concurrent and the local content can be increased to over 70%.

 

[Kailash]

Time is ripe to get the Kaveri certified and mated to LCA. If not for the IAF, for export orders and making for the world.

 

[Rajesh]

If these 200+ (total) Tejas jets are to be ordered by the IAF, then the engine should also be a main priority. With 3 engines per Tejas, that's 600+ engines, so we better plan accordingly. If by chance Rafale is selected, then select it with the M88-3. If Typhoon is selected, then certify the EJ200, and if an American jet is selected, then make sure the GE404 is manufactured completely in India so the situation we are facing doesn't get repeated in the second and third cycles.