India confirms Tejas procurement
The Indian government on 13 January approved the purchase of 73 Tejas Mk 1A fighters and ten Tejas Mk 1 trainer aircraft in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
This is the first procurement to be agreed under Indian government rules stipulating that 50% of components for combat aircraft must be made domestically. This proportion will rise to 60% by the end of the LCA programme
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd will manufacture the 83 aircraft under an INR45,696 crore ($6.25 billion) contract, working with a supply chain and development base of about 500 Indian companies.
The Mk 1A fighter includes an AESA radar, BVR missiles, an EW suite and an air-to-air refuelling capability.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production
One of the key trends seen in December has been the rise in indigenous investment within the UAV market, particularly across certain countries, with Germany, Australia and the US focusing on their commitments to sovereign development.
-
Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans
With a rising defence budget and equipment list, Poland’s air market is set to grow as the country continues to modernise its transport and helicopter fleets while seeking out uncrewed aerial vehicles and loitering munitions.
-
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.