The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded indigenous variant featuring the UTTAM AESA radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite and improved flight control actuators. The Ministry of Defence said the standard incorporates 67 additional indigenous items, raising local content above 64 per cent under the “Buy (India-IDDM)” procurement category.
Officials noted the programme will be supported by 105 Indian suppliers and generate an estimated 11,750 jobs annually over six years. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027 or 2028, contributing to India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to reduce reliance on foreign defence suppliers.
The order builds on a 2021 contract for 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, bringing total commitments to more than 180, making it one of India’s largest indigenous fighter programmes. The Tejas has steadily matured, with international participation in 2023, a successful naval landing on INS Vikrant, and subsequent safety improvements following its first crash in 2024.
The additional fighters come as the Indian Air Force faces declining operational strength, currently at 31 squadrons against the sanctioned 42.5 required to counter potential threats from Pakistan and China. In parallel, the service is advancing plans for 114 Rafale fighters to be partly assembled in India, adding to the 36 Rafales already in service and 26 naval Rafale M jets ordered earlier in 2025.
Dassault Aviation has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems to manufacture Rafale fuselages in Hyderabad, further expanding domestic defence production.
