The Author is Former Director General of Information Systems and A Special Forces Veteran, Indian Army

On August 19, 2025, the Cabinet Committee for Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the acquisition of 97 LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a cost of ₹62,000 crore ($72 billion); paving the way for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce the aircraft. This will be the second mega order for the LCA Mark 1A fighters, as the government had already placed orders for 83 such fighter jets a few years ago for around ₹48,000 crore in February 2021. The programme will help the IAF to replace its fleet of MiG-21s, which are finally being phased out in the next few weeks.

The LCA Mk 1A programme will help the IAF to replace its fleet of MiG-21s, which are finally being phased out in the next few weeks

Prime Minister Modi had earlier undertaken a sortie in the trainer variant of the indigenous LCA Tejas fighter. The plan to acquire 97 more LCA Mark 1A fighter jets was also announced first by the then Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari when he told media about the mega plans to boost the indigenous fighter aircraft orders.

The HAL confirmed receipt of the mega ₹62,000 crore order through an exchange filing on the NSE on August 21, which said, "We would like to inform that, as communicated by the Ministry of Defence, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on August 19, 2025, approved the proposal for procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A along with associated equipment by the Ministry of Defence, for the Indian Air Force from the company." The LCA Mk 1A is an upgraded version of the Tejas, with enhanced combat capabilities. Deliveries are expected to begin this year, with six jets scheduled for FY26, after earlier engine supply challenges were resolved. The indigenous content in the new LCA Mk 1A is expected to be more than 65 per cent.

Deliveries are expected to begin this year, with six jets scheduled for FY26, after earlier engine supply challenges were resolved.

The indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft programme, fully backed by the IAF and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is set to be a big boost for promoting indigenisation, as well as providing major business to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in defence business across the country. Prime Minister Modi has been pushing for the revival of the HAL, which has bagged orders for building all types of indigenous fighter aircraft, helicopters, along with the engines for them. The LCA Mark 1A fighter jet has more advanced avionics and radars than the initial 40 LCAs being supplied to the IAF.

The Tejas Mark 1A variant has more than 40 improvements over the Mark 1 variant. These include: a new avionic suite centred on the indigenous EL/M-2052 AESA Radar and 'Uttam' AESA Radar; 'DARE' Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS); externally mounted self-protection jammer (SPJ) for enhanced survivability, in-flight refuelling capability, indigenous Onboard Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) for endurance; expanded weapon suite consisting of 'Astra' BVRAAM and ASRAAM.

To meet production deadlines, HAL has expanded production capacity with a third line at Nashik and plans for a fourth line to increase output from 24 to 32 aircraft annually.

Two ASRAAMs are intended for use on Tejas Mark 1A. The production variant will come equipped with dual-rack pylons with weapon systems integration. HAL will install in-house developed Combined Interrogator and Transponder (CIT) with digital map generator by Mission and Combat Systems R&D Centre which helps transfer the required mission map on pilot display, an upgraded IFF+ from the older identification friend and foe (IFF) system. The upgraded Tejas Mark 1A will have a reduced turnaround time and will use indigenously developed 'Angad' electronic warfare suite and DRDO Advanced Self Protection Jammer pod. Bharat Electronics Limited is to supply 20 types of locally developed critical avionics and upgrades. On April 19, 2024, ADA delivered the first batch of Secondary Flight Control of Tejas Mk 1A which consists of an indigenously designed Leading Edge Slats and Airbrake Control Module. On May 30, 2025, the first centre fuselage assembly for the Tejas Mk 1A was handed over to HAL by subcontractor VEM Technologies in Hyderabad.

To meet production deadlines, HAL has expanded production capacity with a third line at Nashik (operational by October 2025) and plans for a fourth line to increase output from 24 to 32 aircraft annually. HAL hopes to deliver all 180 Tejas Mk 1A fighter jets (83 + 97) by 2031-2032. The LCA Tejas Mk 1A programme has been the harbinger of the Atmanirbhar Bharat and 'Make in India' initiatives of the nation. More importantly, it is a flag bearer of India's self-reliance in the aerospace sector.

The HAL is also set to bag deals for buying over 200 x LCA Mk2 and a similar number of fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)

However, the IAF will be down to 29 fighter squadrons (against the authorised operational requirement of 42 squadrons) when the IAF's last two squadrons of MiG-21 Bisons retire in September 2025. Earlier this year, India placed an order for 26 Rafale M (Marine) fighter jets from France for ₹63,000 crore ($7.3 billion). In comparison, the IAF will get 97 LCA Tejas Mk 1A fighter jets at a lower price of ₹62,000 crore ($7.2 billion); getting nearly four Tejas Mk 1A fighter jets for the price of one Rafale (M) fighter jet. In recent weeks news reports have been speculating about procurement of 114 x Rafale fighter jets for the IAF. It remains to be seen whether India will procure some of these fourth-generation fighter jets to meet the interim requirements of the IAF before adequate numbers of Tejas Mk 1A are inducted.

The HAL is also set to bag deals for buying over 200 x LCA Mk2 and a similar number of fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The Tejas Mk2 is to incorporate a more powerful GE F414-INS6 engine, canards wing configuration and other design changes. With a prototype expected to be rolled out in 2025, the Tejas Mark 2 will have an increased payload carrying capacity and internal fuel capacity, more external hardpoints, improved combat range, a completely redesigned cockpit, and an integrated infrared search and track (IRST) system, in addition to the AESA radar. Interestingly, the Godrej Enterprises Group has suggested the DRDO spiral development for indigenous 90kN Engine to power the Tejas Mk2. The first flight of Tejas Mark 2 is expected to be in early 2026.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India would partner with French engine maker Safran to make jet engines domestically for building its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

In another significant development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while addressing the World Leaders Forum in New Delhi on August 22, 2025, announced that India would partner with French engine maker Safran to make jet engines domestically for building its own fifth-generation fighter aircraft. He said, "Today, we have also taken steps forward in the direction of building Fifth Generation fighter aircraft. We have also moved towards manufacturing the aircraft's engine in India itself. We are about to start engine manufacturing work in India with the French company Safran."