HAL To Deliver Six Tejas Mk-1A Jets To IAF By March 2026 Amid Engine Supply Delays

The Indian Air Force will receive at least six Tejas Mk-1A Light Combat Aircraft by March 2026. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil confirmed the delivery timeline weeks after the IAF chief expressed concern over delays.

Sunil attributed the delay to GE Aerospace, a US defence major, failing to supply engines on time. These engines are essential to power the indigenously developed fighter jets.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh had recently flagged the lag in delivery schedules for the LCA Mk-1A variant. Sunil clarified that HAL had built the aircraft, but the engine shortfall had stalled progress.

In an interview with PTI Videos, Sunil said GE Aerospace is expected to supply 12 engines in the current financial year. That will allow HAL to deliver the jets to the Air Force.

“Every company faces criticism. We have built six aircraft. But GE was to deliver the engines in 2023. Till now, we have received only one,” he stated.

He explained that GE’s initial delay stemmed from production slowdowns during the Covid pandemic and the departure of senior engineers. This caused major supply chain issues.

Engine supply to ease aircraft deliveries

Sunil confirmed that technical issues with GE have now been resolved. HAL expects to receive all 12 engines by March 2026. He assured that six jets are ready for handover.

“There is no let-up from our side. We are preparing the aircraft and aim to deliver them within this fiscal year,” Sunil said.

HAL also plans to produce 16 Tejas Mk-1A jets next year. This target depends on a consistent engine supply from GE Aerospace.

The Defence Ministry had signed a ₹48,000 crore deal with HAL in February 2021 for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets. Talks are underway for the purchase of 97 more aircraft worth ₹67,000 crore.

The single-engine Tejas Mk-1A will replace the IAF’s ageing MiG-21 fighters. The Air Force currently operates 31 fighter squadrons, far below the sanctioned strength of 42.

Tejas is a multi-role fighter aircraft. It can perform air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions. The Mk-1A variant comes equipped with advanced radar, electronic warfare suites, and a wide range of missiles.

Sunil described Tejas Mk-1A as a world-class fighter with full avionics and weapon systems. He said it would greatly strengthen the Air Force.

HAL is also in talks with several countries interested in Tejas. Sunil said discussions are ongoing, though he did not name the nations.

He also spoke about HAL’s success in securing a major order for the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. In March, the Defence Ministry approved a ₹62,700 crore contract for 156 helicopters to boost the military’s combat capabilities.

Sunil said Prachand deliveries will begin in 2028. The LCH Prachand is India’s first indigenously developed combat helicopter. It can operate at altitudes over 4,500 metres.

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