SOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s aerospace PSU, has emerged victorious in a new tender for 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A. This significant order valued at approximately Rs 65,000 crore prioritizes boosting indigenous content within the aircraft.
The contract stipulates a base level of 65% indigenization for the Tejas Mk1A. However, HAL is ambitiously aiming to surpass this target, pushing the figure to over 70% through internal initiatives. This represents a substantial increase from the 55% indigenization achieved in the 2021 order for the Tejas Mk1A. The Tejas Mk1 itself boasts a 59.7% indigenous content by value and an impressive 75.5% by line replaceable units (LRUs).
This renewed focus on domestic manufacturing aligns perfectly with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) vision. By progressively increasing indigenous content within the Tejas Mk1A program, HAL is strengthening India’s self-sufficiency in the aerospace and defense sector.
The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded variant of the Tejas Mk1 LCA, featuring enhanced avionics, an active electronically steered radar, an improved electronic warfare suite, and extended beyond-visual-range missile capability. These advancements position the Tejas Mk1A as a formidable force in India’s aerial defense arsenal.
The new Tejas Mk1A order not only bolsters India’s airpower but also injects significant momentum into the domestic aerospace industry. With its focus on indigenization, the project is poised to create significant employment opportunities and technological know-how within the country.