A Tejas LCA. (File photo)
New Delhi: State-owned plane maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited expressed its confidence to deliver all 83 Tejas Mk-1A light combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force ahead of the 2028-29 deadline.
A senior HAL official stated that there are no concerns about the fighter’s delivery schedule. He said, “Our production line is prepared, and we are addressing the minor issues that remain. We will complete the delivery of all aircraft within the specified timeline.”
Recently, the IAF raised concerns about delays in the delivery of the first Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet, initially set for February this year. However, HAL has now committed to delivering the first unit by November.
According to the deal, the HAL was supposed to supply 16 Tejas Mk-1A annually.
The official explained that delays in engine supply and certain development challenges have pushed back the delivery schedule. HAL has signed a contract with General Electric for 99 F404 engines.
“We have been informed that GE will begin supplying engines from September. We expect to deliver more than 8 jets by the end of this fiscal year (March 31, 2025),” indicated another official.
When asked how HAL plans to meet the delivery timeline, the official responded, “Currently, our two facilities in Bengaluru are operational with the capacity to produce 16 aircraft. Our third facility in Nashik will become operational in October, where we can manufacture eight jets or more.” In 2021, the defence ministry signed a contract with HAL for 83 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft valued at ₹48,000 crore for the IAF.
Additionally, in August 2021, HAL finalized a deal worth $716 million with General Electric for 99 F404 aircraft engines and support services for the Tejas Mk-1A. It is important to note that the LCA Tejas is expected to become a cornerstone of the IAF in the coming years, helping to address the declining number of fighter squadrons.
Currently, the IAF operates 30 fighter squadrons, while the sanctioned strength is 42 squadrons.
