₹62,370 crore deal to build 97 Tejas jets; Fighters to replace MiG-21 fleet retiring September 26 after 62 years

The Tejas Mark-1A, an advanced variant of the indigenous fighter jet, is set to replace the retiring MiG-21 fleet.

The aircraft will be deployed at Nal Airbase in Bikaner, Rajasthan, near the Pakistan border.

This is the second major Tejas order for HAL. In February 2021, the Centre had signed a contract worth ₹46,898 crore for 83 Mark-1A aircraft, with delivery scheduled until 2028.

Equipped with upgraded avionics and radar systems, the Tejas Mark-1A boasts over 65% indigenous components.

The MiG-21s, played a crucial role in the 1971 war, the Kargil conflict, and several key missions over 62 years, will officially retire on September 26.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took a sortie in the Tejas fighter jet on November 25, 2022, in Bengaluru, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister flew in a fighter aircraft. He had also visited HAL facilities during the trip.

For these reasons ‘Tejas’ has no match;