India inks $7 billion deal for Tejas fighter jets

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 16:03

India has finalized a contract for 97 Tejas fighter jets, strengthening its domestic defense industry and marking the phaseout of Soviet-era MiG-21s, highlighting India’s drive to modernize its military.

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An Indian Air Force fighter jet performs touch and go landings as part of a preparedness exercise to use highways as landing strips for emergencies near Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, Friday, May 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

India has finalized a $7 billion arms deal to purchase 97 domestically designed and built Tejas fighter jets, marking a major step in its ongoing military modernization drive. The agreement comes as the Indian army and air force gradually retire their aging Russian MiG-21 fleet after decades of service.

The Tejas jets, whose name means “brilliance” in Hindi, were first commissioned in 2016. This latest contract focuses on the advanced Mk-1A variant, a fourth-generation version developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

According to the Indian Ministry of Defence, the deal includes 68 fighter jets and 29 twin-seat aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027–28 and will be completed within six years.

Modernization drive as Indian Army retires MiG-21 fleet

India, one of the world’s largest arms importers, has prioritized strengthening its domestic defense production. The retirement of the MiG-21s, a Soviet-era aircraft in service since the 1960s, marks the end of an era. The air force will hold a flypast ceremony at its Chandigarh base to mark the MiG-21’s final flight.

Officials said the new Tejas jets will provide a “potent platform” to boost India’s air defense capabilities at a time when the country is facing multiple regional security challenges, particularly with neighboring Pakistan.

The Tejas program is being spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the state-owned aerospace and defense manufacturer. HAL will oversee the large-scale production run, which is expected to provide a boost not only to India’s defense industry but also to its wider “Make in India” initiative.

Strategic push for arms deal independence

Beyond the Tejas program, India is working to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers. In April, New Delhi signed a separate multi-billion-dollar contract with France’s Dassault Aviation for 26 Rafale fighter jets, adding to the 36 Rafales already in service.

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also announced in August that India is cooperating with a French company to co-develop and manufacture fighter jet engines domestically.

India’s modernization push extends beyond fighter jets. The country recently launched an expansive helicopter factory, commissioned its first domestically built aircraft carrier, and added new submarines and warships to its fleet.

On Wednesday, India successfully tested its Agni-Prime missile with a 2,000 km range, this time mounted on a rail-based system. The move highlights the growing reach of India’s defense technology and its strategic goal of enhancing deterrence.