The Indian Air Force (IAF) has formally issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 97 additional Tejas Mark-IA fighter jets. This move, which follows preliminary approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), signifies a major expansion of the IAF’s indigenous light combat aircraft fleet. These new Tejas Mark-IA jets will feature over 65% indigenous content, aligning with India’s goal of achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The Mark-IA variant offers a significant capability upgrade compared to the original Tejas Mk-1, incorporating key enhancements in avionics, electronic warfare systems, and weapon capabilities.
