As tensions between India and Pakistan ease, India is focusing on strengthening its defence. A key step in this effort is the delivery of 12 new Tejas fighter jets by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2025.

According to the news agency IANS report, these jets will play a key role in boosting the combat power of the Indian Air Force. Media reports say this delivery will also send a strong message to India’s enemies, showing that the country is ready and strong when it comes to defence.

HAL, a public sector defence company, confirmed this news on Friday. According to the news agency IANS report, HAL said, “It expects to deliver as many as 12 LCA Mk1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force this year, following the commencement of delivery of engines from US tech giant GE.”

HAL to roll out first Jet in a few months

According to the news agency IANS report, HAL made this announcement during an earnings call, where it shared more plans about its future deliveries and revenue. It said that it will likely roll out the first Tejas Mk1A fighter jet within the next few months.

HAL expects its revenue to grow by 8–10 per cent in the financial year 2025-26. This growth is likely to come from the increased demand for both fighter aircraft and helicopters.

The Tejas Mk1A is an improved version of India’s homegrown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. HAL developed this aircraft with new technology, giving it better fighting ability, safety features, and efficiency. It is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter aircraft.

According to HAL, its current order book stands at ₹1.89 lakh crore as of April 2025. This is a big jump from last year’s ₹94,000 crore. This includes orders for 97 LCA Mk1A fighter jets, 143 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) for the IAF, and 10 Dornier aircraft for the Indian Navy.

Two manufacturing units and more investments planned

To meet the demand, HAL has set up two production units — one in Bengaluru and another in Nashik, Maharashtra. It is also planning to increase its manufacturing capacity at the Nashik factory to speed up aircraft and helicopter deliveries.

According to the news agency IANS report, HAL has planned to invest ₹14,000–15,000 crore over the next five years. “This works out to an investment of around ₹3,000 crore every year for the company,” the report said.

The company’s stock price went up by 5 per cent on Friday. Defence companies are seeing good business after the success of Operation Sindoor. Many experts believe that the Indian government may increase the defence budget due to the recent Pahalgam terror attack and rising security needs.

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