Summary:
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing to deliver the first two Tejas Mark-1A fighter aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) next month. However, the handover depends on the successful completion of final weapon firing trials scheduled for later this month, according to a TOI report. The development marks a critical step in strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
Tejas Mark-1A: Advanced Indigenous Fighter Nears Induction
The Tejas Mark-1A is an upgraded version of India’s indigenously built fighter jet, equipped with the Israeli Elta ELM-2052 radar and advanced fire-control systems. The upcoming trials will test Astra beyond-visual-range missiles, short-range missiles, and laser-guided bombs to ensure seamless weapons integration. Past challenges in software compatibility had delayed the programme, making these trials pivotal.
Production Bottlenecks and Engine Delays
The delivery timeline has been hampered by engine supply delays from US-based General Electric. Of the 99 GE-404 engines contracted for ₹5,375 crore in 2021, only two units have been delivered so far. GE has promised 10 more by March 2026, followed by 20 engines annually. In addition, integration issues with radar and weapons systems have further slowed production.
IAF Fleet Strength Under Pressure
HAL has so far delivered 38 of the 40 Tejas Mark-1 aircraft, but none from the ₹46,898 crore order placed in February 2021 for 83 Mark-1A units. The urgency is mounting as the IAF retires its ageing MiG-21 fighter jets later this month, which will reduce its squadron strength to 29—well below the sanctioned 42.5 needed for full preparedness against twin-front threats.
Future Orders and Strategic Significance
To offset this shortfall, the government has cleared the procurement of an additional 97 Tejas Mark-1A jets, valued at around ₹66,500 crore. Once inducted, these fighters are expected to significantly strengthen India’s air combat capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign aircraft.
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