HAL, L&T, Tata to Accelerate Tejas Mk1A Deliveries
In a major boost to India’s indigenous defense manufacturing ambitions, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has partnered with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Tata Aerospace to accelerate the production of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. This collaboration is designed to meet the growing operational requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and strengthen India’s self-reliance in military aviation.
Tejas Mk1A Production
The Tejas Mk1A is a highly advanced version of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, featuring cutting-edge avionics, Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, and capabilities for firing beyond-visual-range missiles. Designed to replace India’s aging MiG-21 fleet, the Tejas Mk1A represents a significant technological leap in India’s air combat capabilities.
HAL recently secured an additional order for 97 Tejas Mk1A jets, adding to the earlier batch of 83 aircraft ordered in 2021. With a combined order book of 180 aircraft, HAL is under pressure to ramp up production to meet IAF’s timelines. The total value of these orders is estimated at around ₹65,000 crore.
HAL Private Partnership
To achieve the ambitious goal of delivering 24 Tejas Mk1A jets annually by 2026, HAL has enlisted the support of private sector partners. Both L&T and Tata Aerospace have already been supplying critical components and major structures for the Tejas program. Their expanded role now includes larger modules and sub-assemblies aimed at speeding up final integration at HAL’s facilities.
A key milestone was recently achieved when Alpha Tocol successfully delivered the first outsourced rear fuselage section for the Tejas Mk1A. This success highlights the effectiveness of the public-private partnership model in boosting indigenous production under the “Make in India” initiative.
IAF Fighter Jets
The Indian Air Force, currently operating below its sanctioned squadron strength, is depending heavily on the timely induction of the Tejas Mk1A to maintain combat readiness. The new jets are expected to form the backbone of the IAF’s future fleet, offering enhanced performance and greater mission flexibility.
However, challenges persist. Delays in the supply of F404 engines from GE Aerospace have slowed initial production. Despite assurances of engine deliveries beginning March 2025, global supply chain disruptions have affected timelines. As a result, HAL has so far delivered only a limited number of Mk1A jets from the first batch, prompting concerns within the IAF about meeting deployment schedules.
Overcoming these bottlenecks will be crucial for HAL and its partners as they push to fulfill one of the most critical defense contracts in India’s modern history. The HAL-L&T-Tata collaboration is seen as a key step toward achieving strategic autonomy in fighter aircraft manufacturing and reinforcing India’s position as a defense technology powerhouse.
