Archive · 28 Oct 2025
Tejas Mk1A: India's Indigenous Fighter Jet on the Rise
Imagine a brand new, super cool airplane called the Tejas Mk1A, made right here in India!
It's like a really advanced fighter jet for the Air Force.
The company that makes them, HAL, is getting ready to start giving them to the Air Force soon, maybe even this year.
They've already built a few and are testing them to make sure they can shoot weapons properly.
Other countries are interested in buying the Tejas too!
HAL is also making more of them so they can build more planes faster.
The first batch of planes were ordered in 2021.
This new plane has super cool tech and can refuel in the air.
HAL executives announced deliveries of the Tejas Mk1A to the IAF are set to begin within the year.
The Tejas Mk1A is an indigenous 4.5-generation fighter aircraft with advanced features.
Several countries in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia have shown interest in the jet.
HAL missed the original February 2024 delivery deadline due to engine supply delays.
A second order of 97 more aircraft has been placed to be delivered starting in 2027-2028.
- Who
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Indian Air Force (IAF)
- What
- The Tejas Mk1A combat aircraft is nearing deliveries to the IAF and attracting interest from several countries.
- When
- Deliveries are expected to begin within this year.
- Where
- Nashik, India (production); also potential export markets in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia
- Why
- To boost India's air power with an indigenous 4.5-generation fighter jet and meet export demands.
- Aircraft Type
- Tejas Mk1A
- Manufacturer
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Delivery Start (Target)
- Within this year
- First Contract
- 83 jets, Feb 2021
- First Contract Cost
- Rs 36,400 crore
- Follow-on Order
- 97 jets
- Follow-on Order Cost
- Rs 62,370 crore
