On August 19, 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved procurement of 97 Tejas Mk1A aircraft. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the decision. With this approval, the IAF fleet will total 220 Tejas fighters. That translates into 11–12 operational squadrons. The clearance marks a decisive industrial and strategic leap for Indian aerospace manufacturing.
Why 97 Tejas Aircraft Strengthen Combat Squadrons
The Tejas Mk1A is more than an incremental step. Engineers executed a complete avionics overhaul. The aircraft integrates an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar with multi-mode targeting capability. A Unified Electronic Warfare Suite ensures spectral dominance against hostile emitters. Its open architecture mission computer enables rapid software-defined upgrades. Thus, Tejas Mk1A competes with advanced 4.5-generation fighters globally.
Industrial Ecosystem and Tier-1 Production
Tejas is not solely a HAL or ADA program. Instead, it embodies the entire domestic aerospace ecosystem. Engineers designed a decentralized production chain across Tier-1 private suppliers. Dynamatic Technologies fabricates the frontal fuselage. VEM Technologies manufactures the central fuselage. Alpha Tocol builds the rear fuselage. L&T constructs composite wings. Tata Advanced Systems delivers the tailfin and rudder. This arrangement effectively creates a fourth parallel assembly line, enhancing throughput and reducing production bottlenecks.
Retrofitting and Common Baseline Advantage
Mk1A prototypes originated from Limited Series Production and Final Operational Clearance variants. Therefore, engineers ensured backward compatibility with earlier Mk1 units. The upgrade package allows retrofitting on 40 baseline Mk1 aircraft. Consequently, the IAF will maintain all 220 Tejas fighters at a uniform operational baseline. This streamlines logistics, training, and mission readiness across squadrons.
Overcoming Propulsion Bottlenecks
The program earlier encountered propulsion constraints due to GE F404-IN20 turbofan supply delays. These bottlenecks previously threatened delivery timelines. Engineers now resolved these issues through phased induction. Two engines are already delivered. Another batch undergoes validation testing. By year-end, twelve engines will be operational in-country. This ensures propulsion stability and clears a major production hurdle.
Logistical and Industrial Viability
The government’s order indicates confidence in propulsion availability. With engines secured, HAL can accelerate the ramp-up phase. The production rate for the 97 jets now becomes logistically achievable. Supply-chain resilience from Tier-1 vendors further reinforces throughput. Together, propulsion stability and decentralized manufacturing guarantee sustained industrial viability.