The recent decision by the Defence Ministry to issue a tender for the acquisition of 97 additional Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) marks a significant step towards strengthening the Indian Air Force (IAF). This move comes at a crucial time when the IAF is grappling with the depletion of fighter squadrons, exacerbated by the retirement of its ageing MiG series fighter jets.
The tender underscores the government's commitment to bolstering the indigenous aerospace industry and reducing dependency on foreign manufacturers. The Tejas Mark-1A fighter aircraft, designed, developed, and manufactured domestically, boasts over 65% indigenous components, showcasing India's growing capabilities in aerospace technology.
Equipped with advanced features such as an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missile, modern Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS), and Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) capabilities, the Tejas MK 1A is well-suited to meet the operational requirements of the IAF across both the eastern and western sectors.
This procurement initiative builds upon the IAF's earlier contract with HAL in 2021, which involved the delivery of 73 LCA Tejas Mark-1A fighter aircraft and 10 LCA Tejas Mark-1 aircraft. By expanding the fleet of indigenous fighter jets, India aims to enhance its air defence capabilities and bolster national security.
Overall, the acquisition of additional Tejas Mark-1A fighter aircraft represents a significant milestone in India's quest for self-reliance in defence production and reinforces the country's commitment to modernizing its armed forces to meet evolving security challenges.
