India Approves Tejas LCA Deal to Strengthen Indigenous Air Capability

India approves a ₹45,696 crore deal for 73 Tejas Mk‑1A fighters and 10 trainer jets, reinforcing domestic defence manufacturing and air combat capabil

The Indian government recently approved a massive deal to purchase 73 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft fighter jets and 10 trainer aircraft. This significant investment of nearly ₹46,000 crores shows a major commitment to strengthening India's defense. In a statement, the government explained that the jets will be a "potent platform" for the Indian Air Force, meeting its operational needs. This decision was made at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Tejas Mk‑1A in flight. Source - TheIndianHawk Graphics.

 Summary – Quick Overview

• Cabinet approves a ₹45,696 crore deal for 73 Tejas Mk‑1A fighters and 10 trainers
• Tejas Mk‑1A includes AESA radar, EW suite, AAR capability
• HAL ramps up production; engine delays have slowed progress
• First deliveries expected from 2025, with 16–24 jets annually by 2026

Why is the Tejas LCA a "Game-Changer"?

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh called the deal a "game-changer" for India's defense manufacturing. This is a huge step toward becoming more self-reliant. The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft is a symbol of this progress. Developed and manufactured entirely in India, the Tejas is expected to become the core of the Indian Air Force's fighter fleet in the future.

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What Are the Key Features of the Tejas Mk-1A?

The Tejas Mk-1A Light Combat Aircraft is a fourth-generation fighter jet with some impressive capabilities. It features an Active Electronically-Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which is a powerful tool for detecting targets. It also has an Electronic Warfare (EW) suite for defense and the ability to refuel in mid-air, a critical feature for extending its range.

The jet received its final operational clearance in February 2019, which officially made it a fully-weaponized fighter jet ready for combat. The "final operational clearance" (FOC) version has more advanced missile capabilities and a significantly enhanced range compared to the initial version.

 

Who Designed and Built the Tejas?

The indigenously-developed Tejas fighter jet was designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It was created to serve both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.

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How Powerful is the Tejas LCA's Weaponry?

Don't let the name "light combat aircraft" fool you. Even though it is a lightweight, single-engine jet, the Tejas can carry the same modern weapons as larger warplanes. This includes precision-guided and standoff weaponry. It can even fire long-range "beyond visual range" (BVR) missiles, which can take down enemy planes from a safe distance, keeping the pilot out of harm's way.

 

Timeline of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft

• 2013: The military aviation regulator gave the Tejas its initial operational clearance (IOC).
• July 2016: The Indian Air Force inducted the jet into its 45 Squadron to prepare for combat.
• May 2019: The Air Force operationalized its second squadron of Tejas jets, the No. 18 Squadron, nicknamed the "Flying Bullets." They are stationed at Sulur near Coimbatore.
• Ongoing: A naval version of the Tejas is currently being developed and has successfully performed "arrested landings" on the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

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What Is the Tejas Mk‑1A and Why Does It Matter?

The Tejas Mk‑1A is a fourth-generation, single-engine multirole fighter designed by ADA and built by HAL. It includes key features:

1. AESA radar, an advanced electronic warfare suite, and air-to-air refuelling (AAR)
2. Flight clearance: IOC in 2013; FOC achieved in February 2019, enabling full combat operations
3. Its inclusion in this deal highlights India’s commitment to building its own defense capabilities.

What Upgrades Does the Mk‑1A Bring?

• Over 40 enhancements over earlier variants
• Radar upgrades include EL/M‑2052 AESA and indigenous Uttam radar
• Includes self-protection jammer pods, OBOGS, and expanded weapon set with BVR and ASRAAM missiles.

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How Is Production Scaling Up?

Production is accelerating:

• HAL plans to deliver 11 jets by end of 2025, with 16–24 annually by 2026.
• A third production line in Nashik will bolster output; HAL already produced the first fuselage for Mk‑1A in March 2025.
• A high-level MoD committee is addressing delays tied to engine shortages and certification hurdles.

When Will the IAF Get the Planes?

• Deliveries should begin by mid-2025, ramping up through 2026 ($\sim$11 jets by year-end).
• At least 6 jets are expected by March 2026, pending engine and trial clearances.

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Why This Matters for India’s Air Defence

This deal accelerates India’s journey toward defence self-reliance. The Tejas Mk‑1A is poised to fill gaps left by retiring legacy aircraft like MiG‑21s, making this approval a timely step in modernizing the Indian Air Force.