The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has initiated what could be the largest-ever acquisition of domestically manufactured military hardware by issuing a request for proposal (RfP) to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter aircraft.
This move sees the total number of Tejas fighters poised to surpass 200, marking a significant milestone in India's indigenous defence capabilities.
A spokesperson from HAL confirmed that the defence public-sector undertaking (DPSU) has been granted three months to furnish a detailed proposal in response to the MoD’s RfP.
HAL is on the verge of completing an earlier MoD order for 40 Tejas Mark 1 fighters, with the recent order placed in February 2021 for an additional 83 Tejas Mark 1A fighters valued at Rs 45,700 crore.
With the inclusion of the newly requested 97 Tejas Mark 1A jets, the fleet of indigenous Tejas fighters is set to comprise 11 squadrons, demonstrating a significant step towards bolstering India's defence capabilities.
Expected to commence deliveries in February 2024, the new batch of 97 Tejas Mark 1A jets boasts more than 65 per cent indigenous content.
Designed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and primarily manufactured by HAL, the Tejas fighter exhibits versatile multi-role capabilities, enabling it to undertake air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions with seamless efficiency.
Equipped with advanced features such as a multi-mode airborne radar, helmet-mounted display system, self-protection suite, and laser designation pod, the Tejas stands as a testament to India's technological prowess in the field of aerospace engineering.
Notably, the Tejas' quadruplex flight control system ensures superior manoeuvrability and ease of handling, enhancing its combat effectiveness in diverse operational scenarios.
While the Tejas are being built in numbers to replace the IAF’s affordable, lightweight MiG-21 and MiG-27 fighters, China and Pakistan are developing the JF-17 Thunder as a cheap, lightweight fighter for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
The development of the JF-17 Thunder by China and Pakistan as a cost-effective fighter aircraft presents a strategic challenge, with over 100 such jets already inducted into service by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) since 2007.
Follow us
