LCA Mk1A Delivery By HAL Likely To See Further Delay: Aircraft Ready But Not As Per IAF SQRs

Last Updated:February 05, 2026, 23:47 IST

Sources say these aircraft do not meet IAF's Service Qualitative Requirements (SQRs), and the delivery is expected to be delayed beyond the end of the current financial year

It has been quite some time since the Indian Air Force has been waiting for the Tejas Mk1A aircraft. However, it now appears unlikely that the delivery will take place in the next few months. While HAL has claimed it is ready with five aircraft and will offer them to the Air Force, sources privy to the developments say these aircraft do not meet the Service Qualitative Requirements (SQRs) laid down by the Air Force. As a result, the delivery is expected to be delayed beyond the end of the current financial year.

HAL on Thursday issued a clarification on the delivery timeline, reiterating that “five aircraft are fully ready for delivery, incorporating major contracted capabilities in accordance with the agreed specifications". The company also said that “all design and development issues identified are being addressed in an expedited manner."

The statement further reads, “An additional nine aircraft have already been built and flown. Upon receipt of engines from GE, these aircraft will be made ready for delivery. All design and development issues identified are being addressed in an expedited manner. HAL is in active discussions with the Indian Air Force to deliver the aircraft at the earliest. 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. HAL assures that it will meet the guidance projected for the current Financial Year."

According to sources in the Defence Ministry, the delivery process requires HAL to formally inform the Air Force that all SQRs have been completed and that the aircraft are ready for induction trials. While this issue was discussed in earlier meetings held a few weeks ago, it was clearly conveyed that the Air Force would accept the aircraft only after they meet the required operational and safety standards. The aircraft has not been offered again for induction trials since then.

HAL CMD Dr Sunil, speaking exclusively to CNBC TV18 on Thursday, said, “All our projects have been delivered, whether it is the Dornier, the Sukhoi, or helicopters. In the peculiar case of the LCA, because of the lack of engines, we are facing an issue. Otherwise, the narrative that HAL is delaying projects is not correct."

Sources say meeting the remaining SQRs is expected to take another four to five months, and until then, it is unlikely that aircraft would be delivered. The delay has direct operational implications, as the IAF’s squadron strength has dipped well below the sanctioned level of 42 squadrons, making the timely induction of Mk1A aircraft critical. Any further slippage will add pressure on existing fleets such as the Su-30MKI and Mirage-2000.

The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded variant of the Tejas Mk1 that is expected to feature an AESA radar, enhanced electronic warfare suite, improved maintainability, and higher operational availability. The Indian Air Force has placed two orders with HAL for the Tejas Mk1A, an initial contract for 83 aircraft was signed, followed by a second order for 97 aircraft, taking the total to 180 jets. As per the original schedule, deliveries of the first batch were expected to begin in 2023 and ramp up progressively to address the IAF’s declining squadron strength. However, delays linked to engine availability and pending SQR compliance have pushed the induction timeline well beyond initial expectations.

News india LCA Mk1A Delivery By HAL Likely To See Further Delay: Aircraft Ready But Not As Per IAF SQRs

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