Context:

On 25 September 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed a major contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The deal, worth ₹62,370 crore, is a significant step in India's efforts towards military modernization and self-reliance.

About the deal:

The order includes 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seat trainer aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027–28 and completed over six years.

·        The procurement falls under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, emphasizing indigenous design, development, and manufacturing.

About Tejas Mk1A:

• • Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded version of the LCA Tejas Mark‑1 developed by ADA (Aeronautical Development Agency) and manufactured by HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
  • It builds on the Mk1 model with several enhancements in avionics, radar, electronic warfare, maintainability, and indigenous content.

Key Upgrades & Features:

1.       Radar & Sensor Suite

o    The first ~40 Mk1A jets will use the Israeli EL/M‑2052 AESA radar.

o    There after “Uttam” AESA radar (developed indigenously by DRDO/BEL/HAL) will be integrated.

o    Uttam features ~912 transmit‑receive (TR) modules, multi‑mode operations (air‑to‑air, air‑to‑ground etc.), better target tracking, and superior electronic warfare performance.

2.      More Indigenous Content & Avionics

o    Mk1A has ~50% more indigenous content compared to Mk1.

o    Integration of an indigenous digital fly‑by‑wire flight control computer (DFCC) in the LSP‑07 prototype, improving flight control, handling and maneuverability.

3.      Electronic Warfare / Survivability

o    New EW suite including Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), advanced self‑protection jammer pods and better situational awareness systems.

4.     Weapon Integration & Hardpoints

o    Better weapon carriage: ~9 hardpoints for a mix of air‑to‑air, air‑to‑ground munitions, including Beyond‑Visual‑Range (BVR) missiles and ASRAAM.

o    Capability to integrate precision‑guided munitions and ground attack roles in addition to air defence.

The aircraft will have over 64% indigenous content, with 67 new indigenously developed components added compared to the 2021 contract. This move strengthens India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Strategic & Economic Importance:

• • The Mk1A jets will help replace India’s aging MiG-21/23/27 fleet, address fighter squadron shortages, and improve combat readiness.
  • The contract will involve around 105 Indian companies and is expected to generate over 11,000 jobs annually, giving a boost to the Indian aerospace sector.
  • Additionally, the indigenous platform enhances strategic autonomy, reduces foreign dependency, and may open export opportunities, boosting India’s profile as a defence exporter.

Conclusion

This contract is a strategic milestone that merges national security priorities with industrial development. If executed efficiently, it will enhance the IAF’s capabilities, promote indigenous innovation, and solidify India’s position as a credible defence manufacturer on the global stage.