In what could be the Government’s largest-ever purchase of indigenously-built military equipment, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) a Request for Proposal (RFP) /tender for 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets.
A HAL spokesperson has confirmed that the Defence Public-Sector Undertaking (DPSU) has been given three months to respond to the MoD’s RFP with a detailed proposal.
Noteworthy, HAL is an Indian public sector aerospace and defence company, headquartered in Bangalore. Established on 23 December 1940, HAL is one of the oldest and largest aerospace and defence manufacturers in the world.
HAL is close to completing an earlier MoD order for 40 Tejas Mark 1 fighters (two squadrons).
Following that, the MoD placed an order in February 2021 for 83 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets (four squadrons) worth Rs 45,700 crore.
Noteworthy, the six Tejas squadrons already ordered will now be supplemented by five squadrons (97 Tejas Mark 1A), taking the number of indigenous Tejas fighters to 11 squadrons.
Also, worth mentioning that the new 97 Tejas Mark 1A jets will have more than 65 per cent indigenous content. Contracted deliveries of the aircraft are expected to commence in February 2024.
Designed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and built mainly by HAL, the multi-role Tejas fighter can perform the roles of air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike, switching roles with the press of a button.
This multi-role capability is further enhanced by the Tejas’ multi-mode airborne radar, helmet-mounted display system, a self-protection suite, and a laser designation pod.
The Tejas is built to be an inherently unstable fighter.
It has a sophisticated quadruplex flight control system that allows its pilots carefree handling and enhanced manoeuvrability.
The issue of the Tejas tender / Request for Proposal (RFP) improves visibility on HAL’s order inflow and long-term execution.
While the Tejas is being built in numbers to replace the IAF’s affordable, lightweight MiG-21 and MiG-27 fighters, China and Pakistan are developing the JF-17 Thunder as a cheap, lightweight fighter for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
More than 100 JF-17 Thunder jets have been inducted into service with the PAF since 2007.
About Tejas Fighter Jets
Tejas is a 4.5 Generation Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
Further it is as all weather and multi-role fighter aircraft, and is designed to be a multi-role aircraft capable of taking up offensive air support, close combat and ground attack role at ease.
It is also designed to undertake Ground Maritime Operations. The different variants of aircraft under production and development are:
- Single seater fighter for Air Force
- Single seater fighter for Navy
- Twin Seater trainer aircraft for Air Force
- Twin Seater trainer version for Navy
Further Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets is the most advanced version of the LCA Tejas.
It is equipped with AESA Radar, EW suite consisting of radar warning and self-protection jamming, Digital Map Generator (DMG), Smart Multi-function Displays (SMFD), Combined Interrogator and Transponder (CIT), Advanced Radio Altimeter and other advances features.
