Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the skies on Saturday in a sortie on the Tejas aircraft at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The successful mission served as a testament to India’s growing prowess in aerospace technology and bolstered the Prime Minister’s confidence in the nation’s self-sufficiency.
During his visit, PM Modi not only experienced the capabilities of the Tejas but also planned to inspect HAL’s manufacturing facility, particularly the production of Tejas jets. The Prime Minister has been a staunch advocate for enhancing domestic defense production, aligning with the government’s broader efforts to boost manufacturing and exports within the country.
The Tejas, a lightweight combat aircraft, has garnered international interest, and during Modi’s visit to the US, a partnership was established between HAL and US defense company GE Aerospace to jointly produce engines for the Mk-II-Tejas. This collaboration underscores India’s commitment to technological advancement and global collaboration in the defense sector.
Defense sources reveal that under the Modi government, significant strides have been taken to enhance defense readiness and promote indigenous production, with the Tejas aircraft being a crucial component of this strategy. The initial variant of the Tejas was introduced into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2016, and presently, the IAF boasts two fully operational squadrons equipped with the LCA Tejas—the 45 Squadron and 18 Squadron.
To further strengthen the defense capabilities, the Modi government has placed a substantial order worth ₹36,468 crore with HAL for the delivery of 83 LCA Mk 1A aircraft. The delivery of these aircraft is expected to commence by February 2024. Additionally, funds amounting to over ₹9,000 crore have been allocated for the development of the LCA Mk 2, a more powerful version of the Tejas.
The government’s commitment to indigenization is evident in the negotiations for the Transfer of Technology with GE, focusing on manufacturing aircraft engines. This strategic move was initiated during the Prime Minister’s visit to the US in June 2023, reinforcing India’s aspiration to be a technological hub in the defense sector.
In a significant development, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced India’s record-breaking defense export figure of ₹15,920 crore for the fiscal year 2022-2023. This accomplishment underscores India’s growing influence in the global defense market.
Looking ahead, the Indian Air Force is finalizing a monumental deal worth ₹1.15 lakh crore to acquire an additional batch of 97 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft. Simultaneously, plans are underway to upgrade 84 Sukhoi-30MKI jets at a cost of ₹60,000 crore, emphasizing the holistic approach to modernizing the Air Force’s fleet.
As India continues its journey toward technological excellence in aerospace, the Defense Ministry is considering a contract with HAL for the acquisition of 156 light combat helicopters, with a significant portion earmarked for the Indian Air Force. These developments highlight India’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities through a combination of indigenous production, global partnerships, and cutting-edge technology.
