BENGALURU: India is likely to receive orders worth Rs 50,000 crores from foreign countries for its fighter jet, Tejas. This is in addition to the earlier order of Rs 84,000 crore. The Tejas is an indigenously manufactured light combat aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a public sector organization.

Argentina and Egypt have expressed interest in purchasing Tejas jets. Air force officials of both countries visited Bengaluru and inspected the Tejas and expressed their satisfaction. Discussions are in progress with Malaysia and the Philippines. Speaking at a press conference at the Aero India 2023 exhibition city, HAL Chairman and Managing Director CB Ananthakrishnan said that the orders are expected to be confirmed within two months.

"The first Tejas will be delivered in February 2024. The target is to deliver 16 aircraft by 2025. Now it is decided to build 30 Tejas jets per year. The production capacity will be increased to 90 if the demand increases," he said.

An order has also been received for 12 light utility helicopters. Army and Air Force have ordered six helicopters each.

Will build PSLV rockets
Another big project of HAL is to build the PSLV rocket for ISRO in partnership with the private sector. The contract is to build five rockets. HAL has started the initial steps in this regard.