India has signed a $7 billion contract for 97 domestically designed and built Tejas fighter jets as the air force retires its Russian MiG‑21 fleet after decades of service. The Tejas, whose name means “brilliance” in Hindi, entered service in 2016. The latest order concerns the fourth‑generation Mk‑1A version, comprising 68 single‑seat fighters and 29 twin‑seat trainers. The contract was signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a government defence manufacturer, and deliveries are slated to begin in 2027‑28, to be completed over six years.
The Mk‑1A is regarded as the most advanced variant of India’s indigenously designed fighter and will provide a potent platform for the air force. Procuring domestically made jets aligns with India’s broader effort to modernise its forces and boost local arms production. Although the country remains one of the world’s largest arms importers, it is increasingly focused on self‑reliance in defence manufacturing, a priority heightened by geopolitical tensions with neighbours such as Pakistan.
Recent years have seen significant strides in India’s defence capabilities. In April, India signed a multi‑billion‑dollar deal for 26 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation, adding to the 36 Rafales already in service. The nation is also collaborating with a French firm to develop and produce fighter‑jet engines domestically. The retirement of the MiG‑21s—operational since the 1960s—marks a major milestone, and a fly‑past ceremony will be held on Friday to commemorate the final flight of the Soviet‑era aircraft.
India’s modernisation drive continues across multiple domains: an expansive helicopter factory has opened, the country has launched its first domestically built aircraft carrier, and it has introduced new warships, submarines, and a successful long‑range hypersonic missile test. The Tejas procurement represents a significant step forward for India’s defence capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to modernise its forces and increase self‑reliance in defence manufacturing.
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