Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced on Thursday that five LCA Mk1A fighter aircraft are fully prepared for delivery to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This announcement comes amidst concerns about potential delays in the delivery schedule due to issues with engine supplies from GE Aerospace.
HAL clarified that the five ready aircraft incorporate all major contracted capabilities and meet the specifications agreed upon with the IAF. In addition, HAL confirmed that nine more LCA Mk1A aircraft have been built and have already flown. These additional aircraft will be ready for delivery upon receiving engines from GE. To date, HAL has received five engines from GE, and the company stated that the overall supply situation from GE is improving.
The Tejas Mk1A program is a crucial element of the IAF's fighter induction plan. The Air Force has ordered 180 of these fighter jets to address a growing shortage of combat aircraft. In 2021, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with HAL for ₹48,000 crore for 83 Tejas MK-1A jets. This included 73 fighter variants and 10 twin-seaters. In September 2024, another order was placed for 97 more aircraft at a cost of ₹62,370 crore. The Tejas Mk1A program represents a commitment exceeding ₹1.1 lakh crore, solidifying its position as the largest "Make in India" defense project. The single-engine Mk-1A will serve as a replacement for the Indian Air Force's aging MiG-21 fighters.
HAL is actively discussing with the IAF to ensure the earliest possible delivery of the aircraft. To meet the growing demand, HAL has increased its production capacity and has established a new final integration line in both Nashik and Bengaluru.
HAL stated that all identified design and development issues are being addressed with speed. This reassurance comes after the IAF expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of completing the aircraft, even after receiving engines. Issues that are pending include completing all certifications and ensuring glitch-free firing of Astra beyond visual range missiles, as the weapon faced software complications in the last firing.
Weapons firing trials have been completed for the indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, the British ASRAAM missile for close-range combat, and laser-guided bombs for ground attack. The pending software patches have also been completed. Certification for these is currently pending.
HAL officials stated in October that deliveries of the Mk1A to the IAF were expected to begin by the end of financial year 2026. The Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification, a regulatory body under the Defence Research and Development Organisation, is responsible for carrying out airworthiness certification of military aircraft and airborne systems.