SOURCE: AFI
At the ongoing Aero India 2025, HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) Chief, DK Sunil, revealed significant developments for India’s defense aviation sector, confirming that 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighter jets and 156 Prachand helicopters are expected to be ordered in the coming months. The total value of these upcoming orders will amount to a substantial Rs 1.3 lakh crore. These orders will be placed over the next 3 to 6 months, marking a crucial step in bolstering India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The Tejas Mk1A, an indigenously designed and developed multi-role fighter aircraft, is set to receive a massive production boost in the coming years. The 97 additional Tejas Mk1A aircraft are part of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) plans to procure a total of 180 units of the Mk1A variant. This follows an initial order for 40 aircraft, which is already in the production phase.
In a statement to the press, DK Sunil emphasized that to meet the growing demand and the total order of 180 Tejas Mk1A jets, HAL will need to ramp up its production capacity. Currently, HAL is producing approximately 16 Tejas Mk1A jets per year, but this is set to increase over the next few years.
Sunil revealed that within 2 to 3 years, the production rate will need to be boosted to 24 jets per year, and eventually, to 32 jets per year to meet the entire order. This ramp-up in production will require significant infrastructural investments, upgrades in manufacturing capabilities, and workforce expansion.
The Tejas Mk1A, which boasts improved avionics, radar systems, and weapon integration over its predecessors, is a cornerstone of India’s vision for defense self-reliance. By ramping up production domestically, HAL and the IAF aim to reduce dependence on foreign fighter jets, enhancing India’s defense capabilities and strategic autonomy.
Along with the Tejas Mk1A, HAL will also be receiving an order for 156 Prachand helicopters, a light combat helicopter (LCH) designed for operations in high-altitude areas like the Siachen Glacier and rugged terrains along India’s borders.
The Prachand helicopter, already undergoing operational trials, has been designed to meet the demands of counter-insurgency, search and rescue missions, close air support, and anti-tank operations. Its light weight, agility, and advanced weapon systems make it a versatile asset for the Indian armed forces.
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