Overview

• The approval is the second LCA Mark 1A tranche after an earlier order for 83 jets worth about ₹48,000 crore.
• HAL will scale production for the IAF transition from MiG-21s, with the Mark 1A incorporating upgraded avionics, modern radar and higher weapon load.
• The MiG-21 fleet is in phased drawdown, with the last public flight reported for 19 September from Chandigarh Air Force Station.
• A podcast remark by former Air Chief Marshal B. S. Dhanoa that Tejas was not ready for forward deployment in 2019 has prompted rebuttals citing Iron Fist 2013 performance and FOC milestones by 2018.
• Officials highlight supply‑chain benefits for domestic small and medium enterprises even as current Tejas variants rely on GE‑supplied F404 engines.