Italian PM Giorgia Meloni slams viral fake photo, jokes ‘improved me quite a bit’Italian PM Giorgia Meloni denounced the deepfake photo as a political attack. Updated on: May 06, 2026 9:06 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni slammed the
A stage performance at Galgotias University has sparked jokes online after a clip from the college festival started circulating on social media. The video appeared to show a magic trick from an angle that revealed how the illusion worked. The performance took place during UNIFEST
Samsung Electronics has crossed $1 trillion in market valuation for the first time, a significant milestone driven by surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips and a broader rally in . Samsung is the world’s largest memory chipmaker.According to Bloomberg
Officials have confirmed the return of the rare caracal in the Thar Desert near the India-Pakistan border, raising fresh hopes for conservation of the highly elusive, and critically endangered species. The officials spotted two wildcats, a male and female
Players would boycott French Open over prize money dispute, says Aryna SabalenkaThreat deepens a dispute between players and Roland Garros organisers over prize money distribution, even though this year's tournament offers a 9.5% increase Published on: May 06
India's indigenous Tejas MK1A jets offer cost-effective firepower, boost squadron strength and pave the way for future fighter programs while strengthening self-reliance. New Delhi: Three months after Operation Sindoor, the skies above India and Pakistan witnessed one of the fiercest aerial confrontations since the 1971 War. Both nations are now aggressively modernising their air forces.
LCA Tejas MK1A: How This Cost-Effective Indegenous Fighter Jet Set To Redefine India’s Air Power
India's indigenous Tejas MK1A jets offer cost-effective firepower, boost squadron strength and pave the way for future fighter programs while strengthening self-reliance.
New Delhi: Three months after Operation Sindoor, the skies above India and Pakistan witnessed one of the fiercest aerial confrontations since the 1971 War. Both nations are now aggressively modernising their air forces.
This week, India's Cabinet Committee on Security approved the purchase of 97 Tejas Mark 1A (MK1A) fighter jets, which are the upgraded version of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), for the Indian Air Force at a cost of Rs 62,000 crore (USD 7.2 billion). The order is the largest yet for India's indigenously developed light combat aircraft, marking a major milestone for the Make in India initiative and the nation's push for atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense.
Experts say the order will not only support domestic defense manufacturing but also significantly enhance the IAF's operational capabilities, potentially emerging as a long-term game-changer.
Add Zee News as a Preferred Source
India's Tejas programme began in the 1980s. The Indian Air Force (IAF) placed its first order for 20 LCA Mark 1 (MK1) fighter jets (IOC standard) in 2006. A subsequent order in 2010 added 20 MK1 jets (FOC standard).
As of August 2025, the IAF operates two squadrons of Tejas MK1 jets: No. 45 “Flying Daggers” and No. 18 “The Flying Bullets” at Sulur AFS.
In 2021, the IAF ordered 83 LCA Tejas Mark 1A (MK1A) jets for Rs 48,000 crore, supported by HAL's Rs 5,375 crore deal with GE Aerospace for 99 F404 engines. Delivery delays pushed back rollout, with only two GE F404 engines received by July 2025. India expects 12 engines by March 2026 and 12 MK1A jets ready by December 2025. Six are already lined up.
The HAL has expanded production lines, adding a third line at Nashik (operational October 2024), with plans for a fourth line to increase annual output from 24 to 32 aircraft. The goal is to deliver all 180 Tejas MK1A jets by 2031-2032.
Ten squadrons of MK1A jets will bolster the IAF's dwindling squadron strength, currently at 31 vs the sanctioned 42. By September 2025, it will drop to 29 as MiG-21 Bisons retire.
Cost is another factor. Ninety-seven Tejas MK1A jets at Rs 62,000 crore vs 26 Rafale M jets at Rs 63,000 crore gives the IAF nearly four MK1A jets for the price of one Rafale M. While Rafale M is twin-engine and carrier-capable, the MK1A is single-engine but both are 4.5-generation aircraft.
Domestic manufacturing supports thousands of jobs, conserves foreign currency reserves and builds capabilities. The MK1A will be a stepping stone for Tejas MK2 and India's fifth-generation AMCA fighter. Indigenous content rises from 50% in MK1 to 60-65% in MK1A, with MK2 targeting 70-90%.
Large-scale production boosts HAL's confidence, aids future exports and strengthens India's geopolitical standing.
MK1A jets carry AESA radar, initially the Israeli EL/M-2052, transitioning to indigenous Uttam radar by the 41st aircraft. Its detection range exceeds 200 km, tracks up to 50 targets and resists jamming.
The Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS), RWR, ASPJ pod and ECM systems enhance survivability against modern threats. Nine hardpoints carry Astra Mk-1 & Mk-II, ASRAAM, air-to-ground missiles and precision-guided munitions.
A mid-air refueling probe extends operational range. The upgraded Digital Fly-by-Wire Flight Control Computer (DFCC MK1A) improves maneuverability.
Customisability sets Tejas apart. Unlike imported aircraft, the IAF can integrate indigenous and classified systems, surprise adversaries and continuously upgrade MK1A and MK2 based on operational feedback.
The MK1A strengthens India's defense sovereignty. History shows geopolitics shifts quickly. The Russia-Ukraine war highlights how self-reliance enables prolonged resistance against sanctions. Only nations with independent defense capabilities can claim true sovereignty.
Operation Sindoor tested India's air power. MK1A promises to reshape it for decades to come, combining cost efficiency, operational strength and a fully indigenous production ecosystem.
Source: ZeeNews
Related Posts: India Bets Big On Tejas MK1A Trump's big goof-up at Commanders game amid boos Palantir CEO defends surveillance tech as US government contracts boost sales No Need For Boos Israel Offers Long-Range Missile Sky Sting For Tejas Fighter Jets - 250km BVRA Surya & co. regain firepower as India thrash Zimbabwe to set up virtual knockout clash vs West Indies India flaunts Operation Sindoor firepower at Republic Day Space to be most cost-effective hub for AI Air Force To Hold Mega Firepower Exercise ‘Vayu Shakti’ Near Western Border On February 27 Barcelona's goal machine adds Rashford firepower for LaLiga defence
Courtroom exchange row: CJI seeks report on viral Andhra Pradesh HC videoThe episode, which unfolded before Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao on Monday, triggered a wave of reactions on social media after a video of the proceedings surfaced Published on: May 06
2 hours ago
Ranveer Singh has kept a low profile despite the smashing success of Aditya Dhar-directed Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar 2. He has made fewer public appearances and has barely made any statements. All eyes are also on the actor as fans anticipate the announcement of his next film, Pralay
2 hours ago
With temperatures continuing to soar across several parts of the country, health experts are warning people to take heat-related symptoms seriously. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can put immense stress on the body, often leading to dehydration, heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heatstroke
2 hours ago
The DMK has strongly criticized the Congress party's decision to support actor Vijay's TVK in forming the government in Tamil Nadu. DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai called the move a 'backstab' against the people and the mandate. He questioned the alliance's numbers and suggested the Congress
2 hours ago
Samsung Electronics has crossed the $1 trillion market valuation mark, becoming only the second Asian company after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to achieve the milestone, according to a report by Bloomberg. The surge came after Samsung shares jumped as much as 11% on Wednesday
2 hours ago
Following alarming post-election violence in West Bengal, which has tragically resulted in two fatalities and multiple instances of vandalism, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has directed the swift arrest of individuals linked to these crimes. In response
2 hours ago
Indian model Bhavitha Mandava gets honest about her casual blue jeans look at Met Gala 2026Bhavitha Mandava made her Met Gala debut wearing jeans. Internet noted the contrast between her casual look and the elaborate ensembles worn by other attendees. Published on: May 06
2 hours ago
May 6, Birthday Horoscope: Here's what the tarot cards have in store for youIf your birthday falls on May 6, here’s what your year ahead looks like, as per Tarot. Published on: May 06, 2026 11:00 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link If you were born on May 6
2 hours ago
-Stack Infrastructure, a data centre firm owned by , is considering its options, including a sale of its Asia operations in a deal valued at more than $30 billion, News reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.Reuters could not immediately verify the report
2 hours ago
Medicine treats the evaluation of emerging technologies as a technical problem, but it is not. It is fundamentally an economic problem. When does a ₹30,000 genetic test represent excellent value and when does it represent wasted money? The answer depends on a question members of the medical
2 hours ago
Klay Thompson–Lexie Brown photo resurfaces amid rumors he cheated on Megan Thee StallionA resurfaced photo of Klay Thompson and Lexie Brown fuels speculation after Megan Thee Stallion stated “fidelity and respect” were the reasons behind the split. Published on: May 06
2 hours ago
Most of the science students dream of studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the world’s most prestigious and top-ranked engineering institutions. Located in Cambridge, USA, MIT has consistently remained at the top of global rankings for many years
2 hours ago
The ceasefire in the Gulf is four weeks old and showing its age. The US and Iran's determination to keep the pressure on each other has put it in serious jeopardy. This is a dangerous moment. The ceasefire opened up a chance for diplomacy that looked for a short time as if it might make progress
2 hours ago
The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a bill to increase the number of the judges in the Supreme Court to 38 from 34, including the chief justice. In a statement, the government said that the increase would allow the Supreme Court “to function more efficiently and effectively
2 hours ago
China, Iran hold talks to discuss opening of Strait of HormuzChina, Iran hold talks to discuss opening of Strait of Hormuz Published on: May 06, 2026 11:09 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Beijing, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday held talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi
2 hours ago
On May 4, 2026, Thalapathy Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, took social media by storm after securing a major victory in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Election, sparking widespread celebrations among his supporters and fans across the state. Several celebrities, including Pooja Hegde
2 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Smart ACs with dehumidifier: 10 choices for cool, comfortable and moisture-free living in hot and humid weatherFind energy-efficient smart ACs with built-in dehumidifiers that reduce
2 hours ago
Over 500 flights were delayed and several diverted or cancelled at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after a sudden rain and hailstorm disrupted operations. A sudden spell of heavy rain and hailstorm disrupted normal life in Delhi on Tuesday
2 hours ago
(Bloomberg) -- Some European natural gas traders are already hedging against a spike in prices next winter as the war in the Middle East continues to disrupt supplies. Options contracts traded over the past week suggest that European benchmark gas prices could reach as high as €100 a
2 hours ago
From chaos to clarity, Arsenal have lived every emotion this past week. Now, they’re just one game away from the promised land: the UEFA Champions League final. And the best part? They’ve etched a bit of unprecedented history along the way. Arsenal’s Journey To The Precipice Of GreatnessFrom
2 hours ago
‘Sleep is king’: Heart surgeon ranks the best daily habits for long-term heart health and wellbeingA heart surgeon ranked popular wellness habits from CoQ10 and rucking to fiber and sleep, revealing why he believes “sleep is king” for heart health. Published on: May 06
2 hours ago
Bengaluru CEO hails school for teaching financial literacy to his 6-year-old son: ‘UPI, BHIM, savings’The Bengaluru CEO said that the book contains chapters on UPI, BHIM, and savings. Published on: May 06, 2026 11:16 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link A LinkedIn post about a
2 hours ago
Rising hopes of a potential de-escalation between the United States and Iran are emerging as a key near-term trigger for global markets, including India. Reports of backchannel talks and diplomatic efforts to stabilise tensions around the Strait of Hormuz
2 hours ago
America and its Gulf allies have put forward a United Nations resolution. It warns Iran of sanctions if it does not stop attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran must also stop illegal tolls and reveal mine locations. The resolution seeks to ensure freedom of navigation
2 hours ago
World number one Aryna Sabalenka believes players will boycott a Grand Slam "at some point" because of the ongoing dispute over prize money. The men's and women's top-10 players are demanding a higher percentage of the revenue generated by the four majors
2 hours ago
United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that his country will pause its military operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz “for a short period of time”, citing progress towards a peace deal with Iran. The decision followed a request from Pakistan and other countries
2 hours ago
Maharashtra SSC Result 2026: When will MSBSHSE 10th results release? check past trendsMaharashtra SSC Result 2026 has not been announced. The MSBSHSE 10th results past trends can be checked here. Published on: May 06, 2026 9:58 AM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Share via Copy
2 hours ago
