India's Ministry of Defense has taken a significant step towards bolstering the Indian Air Force's (IAF) combat capabilities by issuing a tender to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the acquisition of 97 Tejas Mk-1A light combat aircraft.
The proposed deal, valued at approximately ₹67,000 crore, comes as the IAF seeks to address a shortfall in its fighter squadron strength.
This move follows the Defense Acquisition Council's (DAC) Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for additional Tejas Mk-1A fighters four months prior. The AoN, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is a crucial initial step in India's defense procurement process.
The pending contract represents the second major order for the Tejas Mk-1A. In February 2021, the IAF placed an order for 83 Mk-1As valued at ₹48,000 crore.
While the first aircraft from this initial order was scheduled for delivery by March 31st, pending certifications have caused a delay. Despite this, the maiden flight of the first Tejas Mk-1A successfully took place in Bengaluru on March 28th. Delivery of all 83 fighters is now anticipated by 2028.
HAL has established a dedicated Tejas Mk-1A production line in Nashik to fulfill the IAF's increasing demand. Combined with the existing Bangalore facility, HAL aims to produce up to 24 Tejas Mk-1As per year.
The Tejas Mk-1A is an advanced evolution of the Tejas Mk-1, which has already been inducted into the IAF. The Tejas program is projected to play a pivotal role in the IAF's combat force within the next decade.
With around a third of the anticipated 350 total Tejas aircraft (Mk-1, Mk-1A, and Mk-2) already contracted or inducted, the fighter jet figures prominently in the IAF's modernization plans.
Air Vice Marshal Anil Golani (Retd), Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies, underscored the significance of the additional Tejas Mk-1A order as a major boost to India's self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
He further emphasized the importance of timely deliveries and the ongoing progress of the Tejas Mk-2 project and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flight aboard a Tejas Mk-1 trainer aircraft last November serves as a strong endorsement of the indigenous fighter program.Newer Tejas variants, including the Mk-1A and the in-development Mk-2, will incorporate substantial improvements in features and technology compared to earlier Mk-1 aircraft.
