Cheaper Than Rafale And F-35, Armed With BrahMos: Tejas Mk1A To Get Rs 60,000 Crore Lift
The Air Force may order 97 more Tejas Mk1A jets, boosting the fleet to 180, strengthening indigenous defence production and enhancing deterrence against enemies
In response to growing threats from Pakistan and China, India launched Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam attack. Turkey has joined the list of adversaries, accused of aiding Pakistan with drones and weapons. Adding to concerns, a Turkish defence firm reportedly plans to invest in Bangladesh, now under an interim government seen as hostile to India.
Amid these rising threats, India is rapidly modernising its military. The Army, Navy, and Air Force are upgrading with advanced rifles, tanks, drones, warships, and submarines. The Air Force is set to sign a Rs 60,000 crore deal with HAL for new fighter jets, following a 2021 order of 83 Tejas Mk1A jets worth Rs 48,000 crore.
Despite delays caused by US manufacturer General Electric's (GE) engine supply issues, HAL is expected to begin deliveries of these fourth generation fighter jets by 2025, aided by a new production line in Nashik.
Currently, the Air Force requires 41 to 42 squadrons to secure border areas but has only 31. With Pakistan set to acquire fifth-generation aircraft from China, India's strategic position could be compromised without prompt action.
New Tejas Mk1A Deal Under Review
The Air Force is considering ordering 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets, potentially enhancing its fleet to 180 in this category, thereby strengthening indigenous fighter jet production and deterring enemy advances.
The 2021 deal to supply 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets remains incomplete due to delays by GE in delivering engines. However, HAL Chairman and MD DK Sunil has stated that if the Air Force places an additional order for 97 jets, the delivery can be completed by 2031. The proposal is currently under review by the Defence Procurement Committee. HAL aims to produce 30 Tejas Mk1A jets annually from 2027, supported by GE's plan to set up a jet engine manufacturing unit in India through a partnership.
Power Of BrahMos-NG
The Tejas Mk1A will be a significant upgrade over previous fighter jets, featuring an advanced AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar system and plans to integrate the new-generation BrahMos cruise missile and Astra Mk-2 missile. The BrahMos-NG is more advanced than the current version, with a longer range. A hypersonic version is also reportedly in development, promising even greater speed. Powered by General Electric's F404-IN20 engine, the Tejas Mk1A will have a combat radius of 500 km, enabling it to strike targets without crossing enemy borders.
Cheaper Than Rafale And F-35
Furthermore, the Defence Department is contemplating the acquisition of fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, an expensive endeavour but necessary to maintain strategic parity with China and Pakistan.
However, when it comes to cost, the indigenous Tejas Mk1A is significantly more economical. Priced at Rs 618 crore per unit (Rs 60,000 crore for 97 jets), it is far cheaper than the Rafale. India signed a deal with French defence firm Dassault for 36 Rafale jets at a cost of Euro 7.87 billion (approximately Rs 78,998 crore at current rates), making the per-unit cost around Rs 2,194 crore.
The fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jet is priced between $80 million and $110 million, translating to around Rs 942 crore per unit. In comparison, the indigenous Tejas Mk1A, at Rs 618 crore per jet, is significantly more cost-effective than both the Rafale and the F-35.
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