As the world teeters on the edge of escalating military conflict — with Russia, Iran, and Israel locked in warfare — India finds itself navigating a volatile geopolitical landscape. With continued tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and a military standoff with Pakistan, New Delhi is actively fortifying its defence infrastructure on two fronts.
Faced with this unprecedented pressure, the Indian government is taking aggressive steps to modernize its armed forces. A critical part of this strategy involves upgrading the Indian Air Force (IAF) — both with new acquisitions and indigenous developments.
Race for Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets Heats Up
The growing threat from China and its military ally Pakistan has reignited India’s pursuit of fifth-generation fighter aircraft. China recently supplied fifth-gen fighters to Pakistan, escalating the strategic challenge for New Delhi. In response, India is evaluating its options, which include potentially acquiring the American F-35 Lightning II or Russia’s Su-57E — both considered top-tier fifth-generation fighter jets.
However, Russia may have an edge due to more favorable price points and potential technology transfer agreements, a key consideration for India’s long-term defence autonomy.
India’s Indigenous Answer: AMCA Project
Rather than rely solely on foreign defence giants, India is also doubling down on homegrown innovation. Under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are working to develop both fifth and sixth-generation stealth fighters. This indigenous push aims to make India self-reliant in cutting-edge military aviation technology.
Tejas MK1A: The Immediate Game-Changer
While fifth-gen fighters are on the horizon, India’s most immediate boost comes in the form of the Tejas MK1A, a 4.5-generation multirole combat aircraft that blends modern technology with indigenous engineering. HAL is expected to deliver the first batch of Tejas MK1A jets to the IAF by the end of 2025.
The Indian Air Force has already signed a massive ₹67,000 crore deal with HAL for 97 Tejas MK1A jets, signaling its long-term commitment to the indigenous platform. Flight testing is scheduled for July 2025, following delays caused by a shortage in the supply of F404-IN20 engines from General Electric.
The engine delay has been a significant concern, especially given that the IAF is currently operating with 32 fighter squadrons, far below the required 42 squadrons for full operational readiness.
Tejas MK1A vs Rafale: A Homegrown Challenger
India’s current fleet includes 36 Rafale jets — high-end 4.5 generation fighters from France’s Dassault Aviation. The Rafale has proven its worth, but it came at a steep financial and logistical cost, particularly due to compatibility issues with Indian weapons systems like the BrahMos missile.
In contrast, the Tejas MK1A is designed to be fully compatible with Indian-made missiles, offering easier integration and operational flexibility. Experts believe the Tejas MK1A will give stiff competition to the Rafale in terms of performance, especially in air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.
Supersonic Speed & Advanced Weaponry
Tejas MK1A is no slouch when it comes to raw power. Capable of flying at Mach 1.8, or roughly 2222 km/h, it can perform high-speed attacks deep into enemy territory. The aircraft can launch Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, air-to-air missiles, and air-to-ground munitions.
BVR missiles are a notable feature, capable of striking targets that are not even visible to the pilot’s naked eye — a crucial advantage in modern aerial warfare where radar stealth and first-strike capabilities are paramount.
Better Than Pakistan’s F-16s?
Pakistan continues to rely on its aging fleet of F-16s, many of which date back to the 1980s. While still serviceable, these jets are increasingly outclassed by the newer technologies India is deploying.
The Tejas MK1A outperforms older F-16s in several key areas, especially in terms of avionics, electronic warfare capabilities, and radar systems. It is equipped with an Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, offering superior target tracking and jamming resistance.
Production Scaling Up
HAL is aggressively scaling up production with three assembly lines — two in Bengaluru and one in Nashik — aiming to roll out 24 aircraft annually. Twelve jets are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025, forming a crucial addition to the IAF’s frontline defence.
What This Means for India’s Defence Posture
With growing hostility in global hotspots and an increasingly belligerent neighborhood, India’s shift toward a robust and self-reliant air defence system couldn’t be more timely. The integration of Tejas MK1A fighter jets is more than a technological leap; it’s a statement of intent.
As fifth-generation threats loom larger on the horizon, India is preparing not only to defend its skies but to do so on its own terms — with a mix of global partnerships and indigenous innovation.
