India to replace MiG-21s with homemade jets
India Signs $7 Billion Deal for 97 Tejas Fighter Jets, Retires Soviet-Era MiG-21 Fleet
NEW DELHI: India has signed a $7 billion defence contract for the purchase of 97 domestically designed Tejas fighter jets, marking one of the largest fighter jet orders in the country’s history. The deal comes as the Indian Air Force (IAF) finally prepares to retire its aging Russian MiG-21s fleet, which has been in service since the 1960s.
A Push for Indigenous Defence Production
The jets, designed and built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), will include 68 fighters and 29 twin seaters of the upgraded Tejas Mk-1A variant. India’s Ministry of Defence announced that deliveries will begin in 2027-28 and continue over six years.
HAL highlighted that the aircraft have 64 percent indigenous content, involving contributions from more than 100 Indian companies. This reflects India’s broader push to modernize its armed forces and reduce dependency on foreign imports.
Retirement of the MiG-21 Fleet
The signing coincides with the long-awaited retirement of the MiG-21s, which have served as a backbone of the IAF for decades. Despite their historic importance, the jets were plagued by frequent accidents, with around 400 crashes and 200 pilot deaths recorded. This grim record earned them the nickname “flying coffins.”
A final flypast ceremony for the MiGs will be held at an airbase in Chandigarh, marking the end of an era. India originally planned to phase them out in the mid-1990s, but delays in replacement programs forced multiple upgrades to extend their service.
Defence Minister’s Statement
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the deal as a “reflection of trust” in indigenous defence capabilities.
“This contract reflects the trust and confidence of the Government and the Armed Forces in the indigenously developed Tejas aircraft, which will be the mainstay of the IAF in the years to come,” he said.
India’s Expanding Military Modernization
India has been steadily increasing investment in defence modernization, citing threats from neighboring rivals, particularly Pakistan and China.
- In April 2025, New Delhi signed a multi-billion-dollar deal for 26 Rafale fighter jets from France, adding to the 36 Rafales already in service.
- India is also collaborating with French firms to develop and manufacture jet engines locally.
- Earlier this year, India approved the prototype of its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
- Recent years have also seen the launch of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, modern warships, submarines, a helicopter factory, and successful hypersonic missile tests.
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FAQs
Q1: How much is India spending on the Tejas jets?
A1: India signed a $7 billion contract for 97 Tejas Mk-1A jets.
Q2: When will the jets be delivered?
A2: Deliveries will begin in 2027–28 and finish in about six years.
Q3: Why are the MiG-21s being retired?
A3: The Soviet-era MiG-21s, inducted in the 1960s, suffered 400 crashes and 200 pilot deaths, making them unsafe to continue.
Q4: What role will Tejas play in the IAF?
A4: The Tejas Mk-1A is expected to be the mainstay fighter jet for the IAF in the coming years.
Q5: How is India strengthening its defence sector?
A5: India is expanding indigenous production, purchasing Rafale jets, developing the AMCA, and investing in missiles, carriers, and submarines.
