India to Buy 97 Made-in-India Tejas Jets in Biggest-Ever Deal

India is about to sign its largest-ever fighter jet deal worth Rs 66,500 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This deal is for 97 new Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets, a plane that is fully designed and made in India. Why is this important? • The Indian Air Force (IAF) needs many fighter planes to protect our skies. • At full strength, IAF should have about 42 squadrons (a squadron means 16–18 planes). • But after old MiG-21 planes retire, IAF will be left with only 29 squadrons, the lowest ever. What is already ordered? • In 2021, India ordered 83 Tejas jets for Rs 46,898 crore. • HAL will give the first 2 planes from this order by October 2025. • The rest will be delivered by 2028. Why more jets now? • After Operation Sindoor, where Pakistan used modern J-10 jets with long-range missiles, even though India dominated the skies, IAF realized it needs many more jets to match threats in the future from both Pakistan and China. • Pakistan already has 25 squadrons and is expected to buy 40 stealth jets from China. • China has more than 4 times India’s fighter strength. What’s special about Tejas Mark-1A? • It can carry Astra long-range missiles, short-range missiles, and laser-guided bombs. • It is lightweight, modern, and made in India, reducing dependence on foreign countries. The Big Picture: This new deal will help India slowly rebuild its Air Force strength more, support Make in India, and ensure that our skies remain safe in the future. In short: India is buying more home-grown Tejas jets to replace old planes and face growing challenges from neighbours. This is a historic step for India’s defence and self-reliance. Stock Market Impact: Such mega orders usually boost investor confidence in HAL and other defence-related companies, as they secure long-term revenue and strengthen India’s defence sector.