The Defense Secretary RK Singh stated that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to deliver two Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets in the coming month. The delivery of these two jets is a precursor to a potential new contract between the government and HAL for the purchase of an additional 97 Tejas aircraft. The Indian Air Force had voiced concerns over the delays in the supply of the Tejas Mark 1A aircraft under a previous agreement. The first two aircraft are expected to be delivered with integrated weapons systems by the end of September.
Approximately 38 Tejas aircraft are currently in service, with an additional 80 in the manufacturing phase. In February 2021, the Ministry of Defence placed an order with HAL for 83 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft at a cost of ₹48,000 crore. Delays have been attributed to the inability of GE Aerospace to meet deadlines for engine supply. The government has recently approved a further acquisition of 97 Tejas fighter aircraft, estimated to cost around ₹67,000 crore. HAL is poised to have a substantial order book spanning four to five years. The aim is to improve the platform by integrating advanced radar and indigenous weaponry, transforming it into an effective tool alongside the Sukhoi. The single-engine Mk-1A is intended to replace the MiG-21 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force. The Indian Air Force is considering the addition of these fighter aircraft as its fighter squadron numbers have decreased from 42 to 31.