The delivery schedule for the Indian Air Force’s second major order of 97 Light Combat Aircraft TEJAS MK-1A fighters has now been firmly defined, The Week reported.

A defence ministry document confirms that deliveries will commence in September 2027 and conclude by September 2033. This provides a clear timeline for the induction of the aircraft into service.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed the contract on 25 September 2025 for the supply of 97 aircraft and associated equipment. The order comprises 68 fighter variants and 29 twin-seat trainers.

At the time of signing, the ministry had indicated that deliveries would begin during 2027–28 and be completed over six years. The latest document refines this projection, specifying September 2027 as the start and September 2033 as the end date.

The contract was valued at more than ₹62,370 crore, excluding taxes. This acquisition is being undertaken under the Buy (India-IDDM) category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, ensuring a strong emphasis on indigenous design, development and manufacture.

The order will feature indigenous content exceeding 64 per cent, with 67 additional items incorporated compared with the earlier MK-1A contract signed in January 2021.

To meet the expanded demand, HAL has established a third production line at its Nashik facility. This line has the capacity to manufacture eight aircraft annually, raising HAL’s overall production capability to 24 aircraft per year. The expansion of production capacity was highlighted in the defence ministry document as a significant achievement.

The TEJAS MK-1A is the most advanced variant of the indigenously designed fighter aircraft. It integrates several indigenous systems including the UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar, the Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite, and indigenous control surface actuators. 

These additions enhance the aircraft’s combat effectiveness and survivability while reducing dependence on imported systems.

The MK-1A is intended to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force, replacing older aircraft and strengthening squadron numbers.

Its induction will mark a major step in India’s efforts to modernise its air combat fleet with indigenous technology. The clear delivery schedule now provides certainty for planning and deployment over the next decade.

Agencies