India finalizes plan to purchase 83 new indigenous Tejas Mk. 1A light fighters

The Tejas Mk 1A fron HAL. Photo c/o Air Force Technology.

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD) has finalized negotiations to purchase up to 83 units of the locally-developed Tejas Mk.1A light combat aircraft from state-owned aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), to equip the Indian Air Force (IAF).

According to IHS Jane’s, the deal is expected to reach a value of up to INR390 billion (US$5.45 billion), and is expected to reach contract signing before the end of 2020, should the Cabinet Committee on Security led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approves the project.

The Tejas Mk.1A is an improvement over the Tejas Mk.1, with improvements over the original model including the use of a new AESA radar, use of long range beyond visual range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM), improved avionics and aerodynamics, electronic warfare capability, having air-to-air refuelling capability and other improvements in the overall design.

It would still be using the same General Electric F404-GE-IN20 turbofan engine as the Tejas Mk.1.

According to IHS Jane’s sources, deliveries could proceed within 36 months from contract signing, which is around late 2023 or early 2024. The aircraft will replace the IAF’s fleet of ageing MiG-21 Bison fighters, which are upgraded versions of Soviet Cold War-era MiG-21 Fishbed.


[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Business Today India
[3] Air Force Technology