Indian Air Force Upcoming Fighter Jets: HAL to Deliver Tejas Jets to IAF During 2027-28

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The Defence Ministry of India has signed a Rs. 62,370 crore deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for 97 Tejas jets, providing a major update to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The ministry has announced that the delivery of these 97 jets will begin in 2027-28. 

India's Defence Ministry Signs a Rs 62,370 Crore Contract with HAL

The country’s Defence Ministry said “Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, including 68 fighters and 29 twin seaters, along with associated equipment, for Indian Air Force, at a cost of over Rs. 62,370 crore (excluding taxes), on September 25, 2025.”

According to the ministry, Tejas aircraft will have 64% indigenous parts and 67 additional items. The project is supported by a vendor base of approximately 105 Indian companies that are directly engaged in manufacturing detailed components. 

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Additionally, the jet manufacturing project is expected to create more than 11,750 direct and indirect job opportunities per year for the duration of six years. This is bound to give a major boost to the domestic aerospace ecosystem. 

The Procurement Aims to Replace the IAF’s Aging MiG-21 Fleet

The recent agreement signed for 97 Tejas Mk-1A jets is a significant step toward replacing the Indian Air Force's (IAF) aging fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets. This acquisition comes as the IAF plans to discard Soviet-era MiG-21s, which have been a significant part of its fighter fleet for decades but are now considered outdated with poor safety records.

The Tejas Mk-1A is a big step. The jet is an upgraded version of India's Light Combat Aircraft that is designed to be a modern and powerful replacement for older aircraft. This new jet is expected to increase the Indian Air Force's squadron strength.

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This move is also a crucial part of India's plan to become self-sufficient in defense, proving that the country can build top-tier military aircraft without any assistance from foreign countries. It is the best example of the "Make in India" initiative, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted as a path toward a Viksit Bharat.