Indian Company Secures Largest Defense Order: Indian Company to Supply Tejas Mark-1A Fighter Jets to Indian Air Force
The Defense Ministry has floated a tender worth ₹65,000 crores to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the purchase of 97 LCA Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets. This indigenous fighter jet is an advanced version of Tejas. It marks the largest order for indigenous military hardware company by the Indian government to date.
HAL Given Three Months to Respond
HAL has been given a three-month timeframe to respond. The government had previously placed an order with HAL for Tejas in 2021. The Mark-1A variant includes more advanced avionics and radar. These aircraft will assist in replacing the fleets of MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27.
Delivery of 83 Aircraft by HAL Expected from 2024-2028
HAL was awarded a contract worth ₹46,898 crores in 2021 to manufacture 83 Tejas Mark-1A for the Indian Air Force. The company is expected to deliver these aircraft between March 2024 and February 2028. Some deliveries are anticipated to take place in the coming weeks.
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari’s Announcement in Spain
The announcement of plans to purchase 97 more fighter jets was first made by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari during his visit to Spain. He highlighted the mega plan to accelerate the indigenous fighter aircraft order. More than 65% of the LCA Mark-1A is made in India, reflecting the country’s self-reliance and Make-in-India initiative.
Target to Manufacture 24 Fighter Aircraft Annually by 2025
The aim is to manufacture 24 fighter aircraft annually starting from 2025. Previously, HAL had received an order for 40 Tejas Mark-1 under a ₹8,802 crore contract. Deliveries for 32 single-seat LCAs and two double-seat trainers are underway, with six double-seat trainers remaining.
Modi’s Flight in Tejas: Called it a Remarkable Experience, Boosted Confidence in Indigenous Capabilities
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew in a Tejas fighter plane in Bengaluru on November 25th. He stated that the flight was successful and described it as a remarkable experience. He expressed increased confidence in the nation’s indigenous capabilities following the flight.
First Twin-Seater Tejas Aircraft Allotted to the Air Force
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over the first twin-seater light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas to the Indian Air Force on Wednesday. It will be used for training purposes. It is lightweight and capable of flying in all weather conditions. The Indian Air Force has ordered 18 twin-seater aircraft, to be delivered over the next eight years.
