Indian Air Force To Receive Six Tejas LCA Jets By March 2026, HAL Chairman Assures; Cites Engine Delays From GE Aerospace

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director D K Sunil announced that the Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive at least six Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) by March 2026, reported The Hindu.

Sunil attributes the delivery delays to GE Aerospace's inability to supply F404 engines on time. This engine supply issue caused a significant delay in the LCA Mk-1A variant's delivery schedule, leading Air Chief Marshal A P Singh to publicly raise concerns.

Sunil stated in an exclusive interview with PTI Videos, “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 added, “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.”

GE's initial delays stemmed from pandemic-related production slowdowns and subsequent departures of senior engineers, creating supply chain bottlenecks. Sunil confirmed that HAL and GE Aerospace have resolved the technical issues. HAL expects to receive 12 jet engines by March 2026.

Sunil assured, “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].” HAL plans to produce 16 jets next year, contingent on steady engine supplies.

The Defence Ministry sealed a Rs 48,000 crore deal in February 2021 for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets and is processing the procurement of 97 more at approximately Rs 67,000 crore. These single-engine Mk-1A jets will replace the IAF’s MiG-21 fighters. The IAF aims to boost its fighter squadrons, which have dropped to 31 from a sanctioned strength of 42.

Sunil described the Tejas Mk-1A as a world-class aircraft with a high-quality radar, electronic warfare suites, and an array of missiles. He noted, "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."