How Many Tejas Does India Operate?

As of June 30, 2023, India has taken significant steps in bolstering its air defense capabilities by securing a crucial ₹48,000 crore agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, a state-run aerospace company. This agreement entails the acquisition of 83 Tejas MK-1A jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Tejas aircraft has been purposefully designed to fulfill multiple roles, including air defense, maritime reconnaissance, and strike operations. This procurement marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to enhance its aerial prowess, emphasizing its commitment to strengthening national security

How many Tejas fighter aircraft are currently on order? The recent order signifies a substantial increase in the presence of LCA Tejas fighters within the Indian Air Force (IAF). Over the course of the next 15 years, the IAF is poised to acquire a significant number of these aircraft. Specifically, the IAF is expected to have a fleet of 40 LCA Tejas, over 180 LCA Mark-1A, and a minimum of 120 LCA Mark-2 planes. To put this into perspective, the most recent order for LCA Mark-1A was placed in February 2021, comprising 83 aircraft at a cost of ₹48,000 crore. As of August 25, 2023, these developments underscore the substantial expansion of India’s Tejas fighter fleet.