The Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive at least six Tejas Mk-1A Light Combat Aircraft by March 2026, said Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director D.K. Sunil. The delivery, however, has been delayed due to US-based GE Aerospace missing engine supply deadlines.
HAL Puts Delay on GE Aerospace
The delay became a public concern after Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh flagged the issue, pointing out the lag in the delivery schedule of the advanced LCA Mk-1A jets.
In an exclusive interview with PTI Videos, Sunil clarified that HAL has already completed building six jets. “Every company goes through its fair share of criticisms. It does happen. Unfortunately, in the case of LCA Mark 1A, we have built the aircraft. As of today, we have six aircraft lined up,” he said.
“But the engine deliveries have not happened from GE Aerospace. They were to deliver the engines in 2023. Till date, we have got only one engine,” he added.
Sunil noted that GE’s delay stemmed from production setbacks during the Covid pandemic and the loss of key engineers, which caused significant supply chain bottlenecks.
Indian Air Force to Receive First Mk-1A Tejas Fighters by March 2026
However, he assured that the issues have now been addressed and GE is expected to supply 12 engines by March 2026. “I can assure you that as of today, six aircraft are ready. There is no let up from our side. We are building those aircraft and getting them ready and we will be in a position to deliver (by this fiscal),” he said.
HAL aims to produce 16 Tejas jets in the coming year if engine supply remains consistent.
In February 2021, the Defence Ministry signed a ₹48,000 crore contract with HAL for 83 Tejas Mk-1A fighters. The ministry now plans to buy 97 more for about ₹67,000 crore. These aircraft are intended to replace the aging MiG-21 fleet.
The Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role fighter capable of conducting air defense, reconnaissance, and strike missions. Sunil emphasized its modern design and combat readiness: “It has got a full complement of avionics and weapons which make the aircraft a very potent platform. It will be very good for our Air Force.”
He also revealed that several countries have shown interest in the Tejas. “We are talking to many countries on Tejas. I hope we will have a breakthrough soon,” he added.