HAL to Deliver 12 LCA Mk1A Jets to IAF in 2025
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to deliver 12 LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) before the end of 2025. The indigenous aircraft program, which had faced earlier delays, is now back on track following the arrival of critical engine components from General Electric (GE) Aerospace.
LCA Mk1A Delivery Timeline Confirmed
HAL has confirmed that the first Mk1A unit will be handed over to the IAF in the coming months, with the full batch of 12 expected to be delivered before the year ends. Assembly lines in Bengaluru and Nashik have been ramped up to meet these targets. The production pace has gained momentum following the resolution of key supply chain issues, ensuring that this year’s rollout will adhere closely to the revised schedule.
Engine Delays Overcome, Program Accelerates
A major bottleneck in the LCA Mk1A program was the delayed delivery of GE’s F404-IN20 engines, which power the aircraft. These engines provide 84 kilonewtons of thrust, allowing the Tejas to reach speeds up to Mach 1.8 and a combat range of 1,500 kilometers. With engines now arriving on schedule, HAL is confident that no further obstacles will hamper production.
The Mk1A is not just a minor upgrade; it brings significant advancements, including a modern AESA radar, electronic warfare suite, and compatibility with a wider range of precision-guided munitions. These upgrades mark a generational leap in the Tejas program.
Strengthening Indian Air Force Capabilities
The timely delivery of these jets is critical for the IAF, which currently operates with just 31 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42. With regional threats intensifying, the induction of these home-grown fighters is vital for maintaining operational readiness and deterrence.
HAL’s LCA Mk1A also symbolizes India’s commitment to defense indigenization. With 83 jets already ordered and another 97 under active negotiation, the program is central to India’s goal of reducing dependence on foreign defense platforms.
Future Scope and Indigenous Expansion
Looking ahead, HAL is working closely with GE for potential local production of engines in India, a move that would significantly enhance the country’s aerospace self-reliance. Meanwhile, the LCA Mk2 and AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) programs are also in the pipeline, expanding India’s footprint in modern combat aviation.
The LCA Mk1A’s arrival in 2025 is more than a delivery milestone — it marks a strategic leap in India’s quest for defense autonomy and aerial superiority.
