Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is optimistic about securing additional orders for the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, projecting that total procurements could exceed 180 units as the Indian Air Force (IAF) prepares for the retirement of ageing MiG-21 and Jaguar fleets over the next decade. With a solidified order history totaling approximately ₹1,19,172 crore for 220 Tejas fighters since its inception, the program has evolved significantly, showcasing advanced capabilities like the Uttam AESA radar and reduced foreign dependency. The pace of retirements, particularly of the MiG-21 by 2025 and the Jaguar by 2035, underscores the urgent need for the Tejas Mk1A to bridge the capability gap until the more advanced Tejas Mk2 and AMCA fifth-generation fighter enter service. This strategic shift not only aids in maintaining combat readiness but also reinforces the indigenous defense production ecosystem, with over 500 MSMEs contributing to the supply chain, thereby enhancing national security and self-reliance in defense manufacturing.