NEW DELHI — India has signed a $7 billion deal for 97 domestically built Tejas fighter jets, marking one of its largest single aircraft orders as the country phases out its aging Russian MiG-21 fleet, according to “Reuters”.
The Ministry of Defence announced Thursday that state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will deliver 68 single-seat and 29 twin-seat variants of the Tejas Mk-1A, with production beginning in 2027–28 and spanning six years. More than 100 Indian companies are involved in the program, which officials say already incorporates 64 percent indigenous content.
Tejas meaning “brilliance” in Hindi, first joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2016. The new order underscores New Delhi’s drive to modernize its forces while boosting homegrown defense production. “This contract reflects the trust and confidence of the Government and the Armed Forces in the indigenously developed aircraft Tejas, which will be the mainstay of the IAF in the years to come,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.
The announcement coincides with Friday’s ceremonial farewell to the MiG-21s, workhorses of India’s air fleet since the 1960s but long plagued by deadly accidents. Of the 874 inducted, about 400 crashed over decades, killing roughly 200 pilots and earning the aircraft the grim nickname “the flying coffin.”
India’s shift to Tejas comes amid growing security concerns along its borders, particularly with Pakistan and China. The order follows other major defense initiatives, including April’s purchase of 26 Rafale jets from France, ongoing work with French firms to build fighter engines in India, and approval of a prototype Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
In parallel, India has launched indigenous submarines, warships, and helicopters, while testing advanced missiles. Together, the moves reflect New Delhi’s bid to transform from one of the world’s top arms importers into a self-reliant defense power.
