India's LCA Tejas Milestone: Self-Reliance in Fighter Jets
The success of the Tejas programme and the country's response to aggression demonstrate India's growing confidence in its defence capabilities, with the country set to export homegrown jets to allies and making a mark in the global defense export market with its missile systems.
India's aerospace industry is on the verge of achieving full self-reliance in manufacturing fighter jets, with the success of the LCA Tejas programme and the country's growing confidence in its defence capabilities. The Tejas programme has been a milestone in India's defence production, with the country set to receive 12 advanced Tejas LCA Mk1A fighter jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in 2025.
The Tejas LCA Mk1A is a 4.5 generation multi-role fighter aircraft with cutting-edge combat capabilities, and its delivery is expected to enhance India's defense preparedness and send a strong message to adversaries. HAL has a strong orderbook of Rs 1.89 lakh crore, with a pipeline of order inflow including 97 LCA Mk1A fighter jets. The company plans to expand its manufacturing capacities to meet the increased demand, with a capital expenditure of Rs 14,000-15,000 crore over the next five years.
India has made significant progress in its defense production, with the country's defense designing and manufacturing reaching a "next level". The Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have contributed to fine-tuning Indian manufacturing, both in the public and private sectors. The country's defense production has seen a significant increase in the past decade, with India now making a large percentage of its own defense requirements domestically.
With this progress, India is now poised to start making its own fighter jet engines, a move that will serve a great national cause and further India's goal of self-reliance in defense production. As asserted by Padmashri Kota Harinarayan, the designer of the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, this milestone will be a significant step towards achieving full self-reliance in manufacturing fighter jets.