HAL’s Tejas Mk1A update and what it means for India

NEW DELHI: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Thursday dismissed speculation about delays in the delivery of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A to the Indian Air Force, stating that five aircraft are “fully ready for delivery” with major contracted capabilities integrated as per agreed specifications.“Five LCA Mk1A aircraft are fully ready for delivery, incorporating major contracted capabilities in accordance with the agreed specifications,” HAL said in a statement, adding that an additional nine aircraft have already been built and flown, reported ANI. The company said these nine aircraft will be made ready for delivery once engines are received from US-based General Electric. “HAL has received five engines from GE as on date. The supply position from GE is positive, and the future delivery outlook aligns with HAL’s delivery plans,” the statement said.

Engine supply, delivery timeline

HAL said all design and development issues identified so far are being addressed on a fast-track basis and that it is in active discussions with the IAF to begin deliveries at the earliest. The company also said it remains confident of meeting its delivery guidance for the current financial year. Deliveries of the LCA Mk1A were originally expected to begin last year but were delayed after the IAF insisted on inducting the aircraft only in a fully operational configuration.

Engine supply disruptions have also contributed to the delay, defence sources have said. The first flight of the first Tejas Mk1A prototype took place on October 17 last year from HAL’s Nashik facility, which has been developed as the third production line under the Tejas programme, in addition to the two existing lines in Bengaluru.

Orders, production capacity

HAL received its first contract from the IAF for 83 LCA Mk1A aircraft – 73 fighters and 10 trainers – in February 2021.

This was followed by a second order in September 2025 for 97 more aircraft at a cost of over Rs 62,370 crore. In total, the IAF has ordered 180 Mk1A jets in two tranches.At present, HAL’s fighter aircraft production capacity stands at 24 aircraft per year. At this rate, completion of the 180-aircraft order would take over seven years, with the full fleet expected to be delivered around 2033. Beyond the Mk1A programme, HAL said it is also advancing several strategic projects, including the Tejas Mk2, the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), which are expected to enter production after 2032.

Why the LCA Mk1A matters and is critical for the IAF

The LCA Mk1A is a more advanced variant of the Tejas and is central to the IAF’s plan to replace MiG-21 fleets (which have already retired) and shore up declining squadron strength. The aircraft is a 4.5-generation, single-engine, multi-role fighter capable of air defence, ground attack and maritime strike missions. Compared to the earlier Tejas Mk1, the Mk1A incorporates significant upgrades:It features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an indigenous electronic warfare suite, air-to-air refuelling capability and improved maintenance systems.

Indigenous content exceeds 64%, with 67 additional Indian-origin items incorporated.

The IAF currently operates 40 earlier LCA Mk1 aircraft (IOC and FOC variants). With 180 Mk1A jets on order, the Tejas programme is expected to form a key pillar of India’s fighter fleet until more advanced platforms such as the Tejas Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) enter service.The aircraft is capable of air defence, ground attack and maritime strike missions, and can carry a wide range of weapons including beyond-visual-range missiles, close-combat missiles, precision-guided bombs, laser-guided munitions and anti-ship missiles. It is also equipped with a 23 mm internal cannon and multiple hardpoints for fuel tanks and weapons.(With inputs from agencies, HAL)