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The Indian government cleared purchase of 97 Tejas Mark-1A jets for Rs 62,000 crore, after earlier approving 48 jets worth Rs 48,000 crore, boosting IAF’s combat strength
Experts regard the Tejas fighter jets as an excellent option in terms of performance and power. (PTI/File)
The Indian Air Force is grappling with a severe fighter jet shortfall, operating just 29 squadrons against the required 42. With only 500 jets in service against a need for 750, India urgently requires at least 250 more aircraft to maintain its combat edge against neighbours China and Pakistan.
India has two options to overcome this deficit: purchasing fighter jets directly from foreign companies or accelerating the production of its indigenous fighter jets. Despite the tough situation, India has opted for the latter, primarily due to the cost-effectiveness of home-grown fighter jets.
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India is now capable of manufacturing its own fighter jets, with the Tejas jets developed domestically already inducted into the Air Force. However, the production rate remains slow. India currently has three models of Tejas: Tejas Mark-1, Tejas Mark-1A, and Tejas Mark-2.
Production of Tejas Mark-1 and Mark-1A has commenced, and Tejas Mark-2 production is on the verge of starting. Additionally, India is working on developing its indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets.
Addressing the critical shortage, the Government of India recently approved the purchase of 97 more Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets at an estimated cost of Rs 62,000 crore. Previously, the government sanctioned the acquisition of 48 Tejas Mark-1A jets at Rs 48,000 crore. In total, the IAF fleet will soon include 180 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft, forming 10 squadrons. This will make the Tejas Mark-1A the second largest fleet in the Air Force, following the Sukhoi jets. Apart from this, the Indian Air Force also plans to procure around 200 Tejas Mark-2 fighter jets.
Cost Efficiency
The indigenous fighter jets are proving to be quite economical. The government is purchasing a total of 180 Tejas Mark-1A jets for Rs 1.10 lakh crore, making the average cost of one jet around Rs 611 crore. In comparison, foreign fighter jets cost significantly more, averaging around Rs 2,000 crore per jet.
For instance, in 2016, India struck a deal with France for 36 Rafale jets at Rs 58,000 crore. Recently, in April, India agreed to purchase 26 Marine Rafale aircraft for Rs 63,000 crore, with each jet costing over Rs 2,400 crore.
Essentially, four Tejas fighters can be bought for the price of one Marine Rafale. According to some defence experts, this cost disparity could concern countries like Russia and France, as the likelihood of India purchasing jets from these nations has significantly diminished.
Performance And Power
Experts regard the Tejas fighter jets as an excellent option in terms of performance and power. These jets boast numerous impressive features and are categorised as four to four and a half generation aircraft. However, they cannot be considered alternatives to the Rafale, which competes with the fifth-generation American fighter jet F-35.
In a recent exercise, Rafale successfully locked onto the F-35, a feat praised by fighter jet experts worldwide. Nonetheless, the Tejas holds its own, excelling in several areas compared to the Sukhoi-30 aircraft, the backbone of the Indian Air Force. The primary issue remains the slow production rate, which hinders HAL’s ability to meet the urgent demand for fighter jets by the IAF.
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