India has signed a $7 billion contract for the procurement of 97 domestically designed and built Tejas fighter jets, as the country’s air force retires its Russian MiG-21 jets after decades of service. The Tejas jets, which mean “brilliance” in Hindi, were first commissioned into the air force in 2016. The latest order is for the fourth-generation version of the fighter, Mk-1A, which includes 68 fighters and 29 twin-seaters.

The contract was signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a government defence manufacturer. The delivery of the aircraft is expected to commence in 2027-28 and will be completed over a period of six years. The Tejas jet is considered the most advanced variant of the indigenously designed and manufactured fighter aircraft and will be a potent platform for the air force.

India’s move to procure domestically made fighter jets is part of its efforts to modernize its forces and boost local arms production. The country is one of the world’s largest arms importers, but it has been pushing to increase its self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The procurement of the Tejas jets is significant, given the country’s geopolitical tensions with neighboring nations, particularly Pakistan.

In recent years, India has made significant strides in its defence manufacturing capabilities. In April, the country signed a multi-billion-dollar deal to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation, which will join the 36 Rafale fighters already acquired. India has also been working with a French company to develop and manufacture fighter jet engines in the country.

The retirement of the MiG-21 jets, which have been in service since the 1960s, marks a significant milestone for the Indian air force. The country will hold a flypast ceremony on Friday to mark the final flight of the Soviet-era jets. India’s defence modernization efforts are expected to continue, with the country having opened an expansive helicopter factory, launched its first domestically made aircraft carrier, warships, and submarines, and conducted a successful long-range hypersonic missile test.

The latest development is a significant step forward for India’s defence capabilities, and the country is expected to continue its efforts to modernize its forces and increase its self-reliance in defence manufacturing.