Expert Urges Private Sector Involvement to Boost Tejas Jet Production to 144 Aircraft Per Year
India’s ambition to accelerate the production of its indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) has found a new champion in renowned defense analyst Bharat Karnad. In his latest column, Karnad emphasizes a bold strategy to ramp up the annual production rate of Tejas jets to 144, a figure that would not only meet but potentially exceed the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) needs within a mere three years. His proposal focuses on sharing the crucial source codes of the Tejas with private sector giants like L&T, Tata, and Mahindra Aerospace, aiming to break India's long-standing dependency on foreign military equipment.
Karnad, a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, suggests that the Indian government take immediate and strategic steps to empower the private sector in the defense manufacturing ecosystem. He argues that by allowing private firms access to the Tejas source code—currently held by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)—India can vastly enhance production efficiency and capability. The rationale is clear: HAL, despite its engineering expertise and track record, has faced bottlenecks in scaling production to meet the IAF’s urgent demands. HAL’s current output is far below the necessary rate to ensure India’s defense readiness, particularly as geopolitical tensions continue to simmer.
Karnad's proposal doesn’t stop at code-sharing. He advocates for substantial government incentives, including tax holidays for companies willing to establish multiple production lines for the Tejas 1A and future models like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). By enticing private sector involvement, Karnad envisions the creation of a robust, multi-tiered production infrastructure that not only delivers the 144 jets annually but also creates a defense manufacturing ecosystem capable of scaling up to meet future demands, including potential exports.
The Tejas Mk1A, the upgraded variant, comes with advanced radar systems like the AESA radar, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile capabilities, and modern electronic warfare systems. Karnad argues that private firms, with their vast experience in managing large-scale production and supply chains, can bring much-needed efficiency and innovation to the table. He highlights the capabilities of companies like Tata and Mahindra Aerospace, both of which have already shown prowess in aerospace manufacturing, and suggests that their involvement could revolutionize the production process.
The urgency of accelerating Tejas production is underscored by the fact that the global aerospace industry is evolving rapidly. With 6th generation combat aircraft already in development around the world, India cannot afford to fall behind. The Tejas, while a solid 4.5-generation platform, must be produced and fielded in larger numbers if India hopes to maintain its defense edge and reduce its reliance on costly foreign imports like the Rafale jets. Karnad’s plan could also position India to compete in the global aerospace market, potentially transforming the country from a buyer into a producer and exporter of cutting-edge military technology.
Leadership changes at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) also add to the urgency of Karnad’s call to action. As Dr. DK Sunil prepares to take over as the new head of HAL, Karnad is hopeful that fresh leadership will be more receptive to collaboration with the private sector. He points to the lessons of the past, where HAL’s underutilization of indigenous designs, such as the HF-24 Marut, led to missed opportunities. Today, with a much more mature defense industry and a wealth of talent in the private sector, Karnad believes the time is ripe for HAL to recognize its limitations and join hands with industry leaders to achieve the nation’s defense production goals.
Ultimately, Karnad’s vision is one where India stands on its own as a self-reliant aerospace power. By reducing its dependency on foreign equipment, India can ensure its strategic autonomy and secure its borders more effectively. But this will only be possible if the government acts decisively to integrate the private sector into its defense production plans, offering both the access and the incentives needed to scale up production quickly.
Karnad’s proposal represents more than just a production goal; it is a roadmap for India to realize its full potential in the aerospace industry. The Tejas program, already a symbol of national pride, could soon become the cornerstone of India’s defense manufacturing renaissance—if the government heeds the call.
