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HAL sources confirmed receipt of two engines, with GE promising 12 by year-end. Ten Tejas Mk1A aircraft are ready for handover after successful flight trials
Designed, developed, and manufactured in India, the Light Combat Aircraft Mk1A is a modern 4+ generation fighter aircraft. (News18 Hindi)
The Indian Air Force is set to receive two advanced Tejas Mk1A aircraft in October, marking a significant milestone in the long-awaited project. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced preparations to deliver these aircraft after delays caused by engine shortages.
Senior sources at HAL confirmed that two engines have already been received, with General Electric promising a total of 12 engines by the end of this year. Additionally, 10 aircraft are ready for handover, following successful flying trials of the Tejas Mk1A.
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According to sources, a major trial scheduled for this month will include tests of the indigenous BVR air-to-air missile Astra, the Advanced Short Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM), and laser-guided bombs.
Sources say the first trial was successful, but issues arose in the second. Software adjustments were made, and the aircraft must clear the final test before handover to the Air Force.
Engine Delivery Continues
India’s fighter aircraft programme is gaining momentum, with the long-awaited delivery of engines from General Electric finally underway. HAL has received two engines so far, with two more expected soon.
From the next calendar year, GE has committed to delivering 20 engines annually. The engine deal, involving 99 F404 engines, was struck with GE in 2021 but faced delays. GE explained that production was initially halted after delivering 65 engines by 2016 due to a lack of further orders, but resumed following the 2021 agreement.
PMO Oversight On Tejas Programme
The Indian government is closely monitoring the progress of the Tejas programme. Recently, Dr PK Mishra, Principal Secretary of the PMO, visited HAL’s Bengaluru facility to review the LCA Tejas programme. During his visit, Dr Mishra inspected the assembly hangar for the LCA Tejas and the Mk2 version. The review was attended by HAL CMD Dr DK Sunil and other board members.
Indian Air Force’s Tejas Plan
The Indian Air Force initially agreed to acquire 40 Tejas aircraft, resulting in the formation of two squadrons. In 2021, the Ministry of Defence placed an order for 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, which will form four additional squadrons. Delivery of these 83 aircraft is expected to commence soon, with the first aircraft to be received this year. The complete delivery, including 73 LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft and 10 LCA Tejas Mk1 trainer aircraft, is anticipated by 2031.
Designed, developed, and manufactured in India, the Light Combat Aircraft Mk1A is a modern 4+ generation fighter aircraft. In 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A aircraft to form five more squadrons, with final approval now granted.
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