New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s indigenous defence capabilities, Union Minister R K Singh announced that the Indian Air Force (IAF) will soon receive two Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets, marking a significant milestone under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Speaking at the NDTV Defence Summit 2025, Singh emphasised the importance of self-reliance and technological autonomy in the defence sector.
The Tejas Mark-1A jets, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), are expected to be delivered by March 2024. These advanced aircraft are equipped with cutting-edge radar and weapon integration systems, and are designed to meet the evolving needs of modern aerial warfare. Singh confirmed that a total of 38 jets are currently in production, with plans to manufacture 80 more in the coming years.
Highlighting the strategic shift in India’s defence procurement, Singh stated, “Earlier, we used to rely on foreign partners for delivery. Now, we are signing contracts and producing right here in India.” He added the country is now capable of manufacturing 75% of its defence equipment domestically, a testament to the growing strength of Indian defence industries.
The Minister also touched upon the future of drone and autonomous warfare technologies, noting that India is actively developing indigenous systems to meet emerging security challenges. He stressed the need for a robust ecosystem that supports innovation and reduces dependency on foreign suppliers.
Singh’s remarks come at a time when India is rapidly modernising its armed forces and expanding its defence exports. The Tejas programme, in particular, has been hailed as a symbol of India’s engineering prowess and strategic foresight.
As the IAF prepares to induct the new jets, defence analysts view this development as a turning point in India’s journey towards full-spectrum defence autonomy.