HAL Assures Faster Tejas Deliveries After IAF Flags Delay
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has moved to address concerns raised by the Indian Air Force (IAF) over delays in the production of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. The public rebuke came earlier this year when Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh pointed out that not a single Tejas Mk1A had been delivered so far, casting doubt on HAL’s readiness and reliability.
Following the IAF’s sharp critique, HAL Chairman and Managing Director C.B. Ananthakrishnan acknowledged the initial production hurdles but expressed confidence that the issues have now been resolved. He assured that from the financial year 2025–26 onwards, HAL will be capable of delivering between 16 and 24 Tejas Mk1A aircraft annually through its three production lines in Bengaluru and Nashik.
Production Hurdles and Engine Bottlenecks
One of the primary reasons for the delay was the unavailability of engines, particularly the GE F404-IN20, which power the Mk1A variant. HAL confirmed that the engine supply chain is now stabilizing, with deliveries of 12 engines expected in FY26 and around 20 engines per year thereafter. Other airframe and subsystem challenges have also reportedly been ironed out, allowing for the scaling up of final assembly processes.
Critical to IAF’s Combat Strength
The Tejas Mk1A project, with an order of 83 jets, is central to India’s strategy to boost the IAF’s fighter strength, which has dwindled to just 31 operational squadrons—far below the sanctioned strength of 42. The Mk1A, with upgraded avionics, radar, and electronic warfare capabilities, is intended to form the backbone of future medium-weight combat squadrons.
HAL’s enhanced production schedule is expected to result in the first deliveries by late 2025, giving the IAF the breathing space it urgently needs as older aircraft like the MiG-21 are phased out.
