India has entered into a significant agreement for the procurement of 97 Tejas fighter jets, amounting to $7 billion, marking a key milestone as the Indian Air Force phases out its aging fleet of Russian MiG-21 aircraft. This order highlights the country’s focus on modernizing its military capabilities and reinforcing domestic defense production.
The Tejas fighter jets, whose name translates to “brilliance” in Hindi, represent an important step in India’s efforts to enhance its indigenous defense manufacturing. The latest contract includes 68 single-seat variants and 29 twin-seat versions of the upgraded Mk-1A model. The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed that the contract has been awarded to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a government-owned defense entity, which has collaborated with over 100 Indian companies to produce these aircraft. Notably, the Tejas jets boast over 64 percent indigenous content, showcasing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense.
Delivery of the Tejas jets is scheduled to commence in 2027-28 and will span six years. This substantial order is one of the largest for fighter jets in a single procurement by India, reinforcing the government’s strategy to boost domestic production amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with neighboring Pakistan. The recent military encounters have underscored the urgency for India to enhance its air power, as tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations remain palpable.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed confidence in the Tejas program, stating that the aircraft would significantly strengthen the Indian Air Force (IAF) and become its mainstay in the future. This sentiment is echoed by various military analysts who view the aircraft as critical for national defense.
In a ceremony scheduled for the near future at a major air force base in Chandigarh, India will officially retire its fleet of MiG-21 jets, which have been in service since the 1960s. The MiG-21s, known for their involvement in multiple conflicts, have also gained notoriety due to a high rate of accidents, leading to the unfortunate title of “the flying coffin.” The retirement of these jets has been long anticipated, with plans to phase them out dating back to the mid-1990s, although implementation was delayed.
Parallel to the Tejas order, India is diversifying its military assets, recently securing a multi-billion-dollar deal for 26 Rafale jets from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation. This addition complements the 36 Rafale jets already in service. Further advancements in India’s defense capabilities include partnerships with French firms to develop and manufacture aircraft engines domestically and the approval of a prototype for an Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
This decade has seen India making significant strides in defense technology and manufacturing, including the establishment of a helicopter factory, the launch of its first home-built aircraft carrier, and successful long-range missile tests, showcasing a robust commitment to enhancing national security. The latest test involved the Agni-Prime missile, demonstrating advanced capabilities with its railway-based launch system.
Overall, the acquisition of Tejas fighter jets marks a pivotal moment in India’s military modernization efforts, emphasizing the transition towards enhanced self-reliance in defense production while navigating pressing security challenges in the region.
