Expert Opinions Opinion

Tejas Mk 1A – A Milestone in India’s Quest for Self-Reliance

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

The recent approval of a ₹62,000 crore order for 97 Tejas Mk 1A fighter jets marks one of the most important milestones in India’s defense modernization journey. For decades, India’s reliance on imported fighters — from the MiG-21s of the Soviet era to the modern Rafales from France — highlighted a persistent gap in indigenous […]

Defence National

India Clears ₹62,000 Cr Deal for 97 Tejas Mk1A Jets

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

The Indian government has cleared a ₹62,000 crore deal to procure 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft. The approval, granted by the Cabinet Committee on Security, will further strengthen the Indian Air Force’s fleet and support the “Make in India” push for indigenous defence manufacturing. HAL to Lead Production Across Facilities Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

Defence National

Indian Air Force Retires MiG‑21 Jets in September

By BPN News Desk July 22, 2025

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its remaining MiG‑21 fighter jets in September 2025, officially drawing the curtain on more than six decades of service. The farewell ceremony is scheduled for 19 September at the Chandigarh Air Force Station. It will be hosted by the No. 23 Panthers Squadron, the last active […]

Defence National

GE to supply two engines monthly for Tejas jets

By BPN News Desk July 16, 2025

India has resumed receiving GE F404‑IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk‑1A fighter aircraft as part of a $716 million contract signed in 2021. The contract covers 99 engines in total. General Electric has now committed to supplying two engines per month from April 2025 through March 2026. The deliveries had previously been delayed due to […]