The Indian Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, announced that the first two Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets are set to be delivered to the Indian Air Force by the end of September, emphasizing the significance of this project in enhancing India’s self-reliance in defense. With approximately 38 Tejas jets already in service and an additional 97 on order, the Tejas program aims to replace the aging MiG-21 fleet, making a substantial contribution to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Singh highlighted that the government is focused on ensuring that 75% of defense capital expenditure is spent domestically, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors in defense procurement. Furthermore, he underscored the need for India to maintain its strategic autonomy through indigenization and emphasized the critical role of domestic innovation in meeting defense needs, particularly in the evolving landscape of drone warfare. The backing of Prime Minister Modi for the Tejas program, including his recent flight in a Tejas trainer, symbolizes strong governmental support, aligning with India’s long-term vision for self-reliance in defense aviation. Overall, this initiative not only aims to strengthen military capabilities but also contributes positively to India’s economic landscape by boosting the local defense industry.