IAF to get first two Tejas Mark 1A jets by September end, confirms Defence Secy

On August 19, the Centre cleared the acquisition of 97 additional Tejas Mark 1A fighters for the IAF, ANI had reported. (File photo)

India’s quest for self-reliance in defence is set for a major push with the Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets, Defence Secretary RK Singh said on Saturday, confirming that the first two indigenous aircraft are likely to be delivered by the end of September.

Speaking at NDTV’s Defence Summit, Singh underlined the aircraft’s central role in replacing the ageing MiG-21 fleet and in becoming a future “workhorse” for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

“About 38 are already in service, another 80-odd are being manufactured; 10 are ready, and two engines have been delivered so far. Hopefully, the first two of those are going to be delivered with weapons integration this September. We will do the contract signing next month,” he stated.

Singh also noted that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) now has visibility and a strong order book for the next four to five years.

“With this combination, they will be able to perfect the platform, integrate the radar and Indian weapons, so that Tejas becomes a workhorse for us along with the Sukhoi,” he said.

Highlighting the larger strategy, Singh said achieving atmanirbharta is a “strategic imperative” for India.

“The only way to maintain our strategic autonomy is to ensure that the bulk of our defence needs are met within the country. Since Prime Minister Modi’s government came to power in 2014, the focus on self-reliance has been relentless,” he said.

He also pointed out that 75 percent of capital expenditure is now earmarked for domestic procurement, forcing global defence manufacturers to invest and produce in India.

Also speaking on drones, Singh said the recent Operation Sindoor was a “reality check,” adding that while India’s air defence systems performed well, military-grade drone capabilities require more effort.

“Our civilian drone ecosystem has expanded rapidly, but for defence-grade drones, much more is needed and our manufacturers are aware of it,” he said.

On August 19, the Centre cleared the acquisition of 97 additional Tejas Mark 1A fighters for the IAF, ANI had reported.

This will be the second major order after 83 aircraft were contracted earlier for around Rs 48,000 crore. The expanded programme, featuring aircraft with advanced avionics, radars, and over 65 percent indigenous content, will accelerate the MiG-21 phaseout and boost opportunities for small and medium enterprises in defence manufacturing.

The move, according to officials cited by ANI, is a powerful endorsement of HAL’s revival under PM Modi’s leadership, with the state-run giant also expected to bag projects for Tejas Mark 2 and fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).