Indigenous Tejas to Make Its First Demonstration Today

The new production line is expected to help the Indian Air Force receive 180 Tejas fighter jets by 2032–33. Currently, eight aircraft are being built each year at the facility, with plans to increase the number to ten annually.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which manufactures the Tejas for the Air Force, received its fourth engine from the U.S. in September. One of the key features of this fighter jet is its ability to carry missiles and bombs at nine hardpoints on its wings.

Each Tejas Mark-1A costs around ₹600 crore and can reach speeds of 2,205 km/h, nearly twice the speed of sound. Its production involves collaboration with over 500 Indian companies, making it a truly indigenous aircraft.

Upgraded Avionics and Radar Systems in Mark-1A

On August 19, the Central government approved the procurement of 97 Tejas fighter jets for the Air Force. Following this, on September 25, the Ministry of Defence awarded a ₹62,370 crore contract to HAL.

The aircraft are planned to be deployed at the Nal Airbase in Bikaner, Rajasthan, near the Pakistan border. According to the Defence Ministry, the Mark-1A variant will feature self-protection suites and advanced control actuators, with over 65% of its components manufactured domestically.

The Mark-1A is an upgraded version of the single-engine, fourth-generation Tejas, known for its lightweight design, superior agility, and advanced avionics and radar systems. The original Tejas was also developed by HAL, in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and DRDO. Designed for multi-role missions, it can engage targets in air, sea, and land operations, even under challenging conditions.

The Mark-1A will replace the MiG-21 fleet, which was retired on September 26 after 62 years of service. The MiG-21 played a crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the Kargil conflict, and numerous other key operations.

PM Modi’s Flight in Tejas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew in a Tejas fighter jet in Bengaluru on November 25, 2022, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. Prior to the flight, he also visited HAL’s facility in Bengaluru, underscoring the government’s emphasis on indigenous defence production.