Over the years, I’ve seen India’s defence aviation evolve from slow starts to proud milestones. But a few moments carry the weight and questions like this one.
The announcement that HAL will deliver 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets by 2031 is more than a milestone; it’s a statement of faith in the Light Combat Aircraft India programme. As someone who’s closely followed our indigenous defence efforts, this development feels both thrilling and cautionary.
Yes, it boosts squadron strength, fuels Make in India and reflects a deep belief in homegrown platforms. But here’s the reality: supply chain bottlenecks, particularly around engines, are still unresolved.
To me, this deal isn’t just about numbers. It’s about proving we can deliver what we promise, at our pace, with our systems in place. That’s what excites me. That’s also what makes this moment so critical.
What the 97-Tejas Deal Means for India
The IAF order for 97 Tejas Mk1A aircraft follows an earlier contract for 83 jets. Together, this brings the total to 180 homegrown fighters, making Tejas the largest single-type fleet in IAF history.
More than numbers, this HAL Tejas Mk1A second batch order signals strategic clarity. India is choosing self-reliance over dependency, and the Indian military aviation roadmap is now firmly rooted in domestic production.
The move to induct 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets is also about reaffirming the long-term trust in indigenous platforms. It shows the IAF’s confidence in the aircraft’s operational capability and upgrade potential.
Tejas Mk1A: Built for Today, Holding the Line for Tomorrow
Born from the DRDO Tejas LCA programme, the Mk1A is India’s upgraded light fighter with serious capabilities:
- AESA radar-equipped Tejas variant
- BVR missile integration
- Advanced electronic warfare systems
- Digital cockpit and in-flight refuelling
The Tejas Mk1A fighter jet specifications make it suitable for multi-role missions. As a Made in India fighter jet, it’s becoming a symbol of indigenous confidence and potential export power.
The decision to procure 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets reflects the culmination of two decades of R&D, design validation, and combat-readiness trials.
Timeline for 97 Tejas Mk1A Fighter Jet Delivery
As per HAL’s updated delivery roadmap, the first of the 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets will begin arriving by 2028, with full induction targeted by 2031. This timeline aligns with the planned retirement of the MiG-21 fleet and is crucial to maintaining the Indian Air Force’s operational strength, aiming to stabilise squadron numbers around 35 by the same year.
The delivery plan for 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters is timely, but only if backend logistics, especially engines, are sorted.
A critical factor in fulfilling the promise of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets will be the consistent flow of engines and avionics over the next six years.
Scaling Up: HAL’s Production Expansion
To fast-track deliveries, HAL is adding a third Tejas production line in Nashik, supplementing the two in Bengaluru. This will raise the HAL Tejas production rate to 24 jets annually, crucial to meeting the 97-jet order without delay.
The Nashik HAL facility for Tejas also highlights the growing private sector role in the Tejas programme, with L&T and VEM Technologies providing critical components.
This scale is necessary to meet the quantity required for the first 83 plus the upcoming 97 additional Tejas Mk1A Fighter jets in a tight timeline.
Cost vs Value: Why This Makes Sense
The cost of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets is estimated at around ₹67,000 crore. That’s a substantial investment, but when compared with foreign aircraft of a similar class, it’s a cost-effective move.
Moreover, this HAL fighter jet order for the Indian Air Force will boost HAL aerospace defence projects, create jobs, and deepen domestic manufacturing.
My Views: GE’s Engine Delay Can’t Be Ignored
Here’s where my concerns begin.
India had signed a deal with GE for F404 engines to power the 83 Tejas Mk1A jets. But as of now, GE has delivered just one engine. Yes, just one. They’ve now promised to deliver two engines per month, but this is well behind schedule.
If the first order of 83 is delayed due to engine shortages, how can we confidently proceed with 97 more?
Before signing this second deal, we must either:
- Seek alternate engine suppliers, or
- Push GE to manufacture these engines in India through full technology transfer
A strong Tejas Mk1A engine supply chain is not optional. It is the very foundation of this fleet’s viability.
In my view, until the GE engine delivery stabilises, India should consider local manufacturing of propulsion systems before finalising the contract for 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets.
Strategic Shift in IAF Modernisation
This order aligns with India’s fighter jet production plan, replacing ageing MiG-21s and strengthening the air force with combat-ready Indian jets.
In the context of the India-China airpower comparison, it helps us maintain readiness, while preparing the runway for more advanced jets like the AMCA.
The Bridge Between Mk1A and AMCA
The LCA Tejas Mk1A contract fills the immediate capability gap while India continues to develop the AMCA.
When we look at AMCA vs Tejas Mk1A, the contrast is clear: Mk1A is India’s agile workhorse for the present—fast to deploy, easier to produce, and critical to maintaining squadron strength. The AMCA, on the other hand, is our leap into stealth dominance. Until AMCA takes flight, the Mk1A ensures our skies remain guarded and our fleet remains strong.
HAL’s Export Potential on the Rise
This second Tejas batch isn’t just for India. The HAL export potential for Tejas is rising, with interest from Egypt, Argentina, and the Philippines. A large IAF order boosts global confidence in the platform.
Our record in Defence PSU HAL aircraft order execution will be crucial in converting these leads into contracts.
Defence Offsets and Global Partnerships
This order will include defence offset in fighter jet deals, encouraging global collaboration, technology transfer, and local manufacturing.
It also boosts innovation pipelines and establishes India as a reliable defence manufacturing partner.
Replacing the MiG-21: A Defining Move
The Tejas Mk1A is the long-overdue MiG-21 replacement in Indian Air Force service. But it’s not just a substitute, it’s a statement that we’re ready to move beyond our Cold War inheritance.
The successful delivery of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets will officially close the MiG chapter and open an era of Indian-designed dominance in light fighter roles.s
Final Thought: Let’s Get the Engine Right
Yes, the plan that HAL will deliver 97 Tejas Mk1A jets by 2031 is strategic and timely. But we must first ensure these jets don’t stay grounded due to supply chain issues.
Before finalising the deal:
- Can GE truly ramp up F404 engine deliveries?
- Should we start a local engine production initiative?
- Or perhaps it’s time to seriously consider a new engine partner?
We must ask these now, not later.
As someone who believes in India’s self-reliance journey, I want this programme to fly high, but only on engines that arrive on time.
Let’s build not just quantity, but also quality. By a defence enthusiast who believes India’s sky should be guarded by Indian-built wings.