BENGALURU: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has formally clarified the delivery status of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A program, stating that five fighter jets are now fully ready for handover to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The clarification, issued on Thursday, follows persistent concerns from stakeholders over production delays, caused primarily by disruptions in engine supply.
In its statement, HAL said the five aircraft incorporate all major contracted capabilities and meet the specifications agreed upon with the IAF. The company added that beyond this initial batch, nine additional Tejas Mk1A aircraft have already been manufactured and flown. These aircraft are currently in storage and will be made ready for delivery immediately upon receipt of engines.
Engine Supply Position
The Tejas Mk1A production schedule has been significantly affected by delays in the delivery of F404-GE-IN20 engines from GE Aerospace. HAL acknowledged that the engine shortage has been the single largest constraint on the program.
According to the company, five engines have been received so far. HAL stated that the supply outlook from GE has improved and is now aligned with its delivery planning. Separately, The Tribune reported that a sixth F404 engine was delivered in January 2026, adding to the five engines supplied during 2025. While limited in number, each engine delivery enables HAL to move completed airframes from storage to final integration, testing, and acceptance.
Delivery Targets for FY 2025–26
HAL reiterated that it remains committed to meeting its delivery guidance for the current financial year. The company plans to hand over five Tejas Mk1A fighters to the IAF by March 31, 2026.
To meet this timeline, HAL is following a production strategy that prioritizes mating newly arrived engines with already built airframes. This approach reduces turnaround time by avoiding fresh manufacturing cycles and allows faster progression to ground runs, flight trials, and acceptance. HAL also stated that all design and development issues identified during production are being addressed in an expedited manner, with continuous coordination underway with the IAF to streamline acceptance procedures.
Contract Background and Supply Chain Impact
The delays in the Tejas Mk1A program trace back to the original engine contract signed in August 2021, under which HAL placed an order valued at approximately ₹5,375 crore (about $716 million) for 99 F404 engines. Global supply chain disruptions after 2021 affected GE’s production schedules, which in turn stalled deliveries of the 83 Mk1A aircraft ordered by the IAF.
The impact of these delays has been particularly significant as the IAF faces a steady reduction in squadron strength due to the phased retirement of legacy aircraft, including the MiG-21 fleet. Timely induction of the Tejas Mk1A is considered critical to maintaining operational readiness during this transition period.
Subsequent Engine Agreement
In November 2025, HAL entered into a separate agreement with GE Aerospace for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines, along with a comprehensive support package. This contract is intended to support the execution of the 97-aircraft LCA Mk1A order for the IAF.
At the time, HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil described the agreement as a key milestone, noting that engines have the longest lead time in fighter aircraft production. He said that lessons from earlier procurement phases — including production stoppages and COVID-19 related disruptions — had informed HAL’s decision to finalize engine negotiations well in advance.
According to HAL, supplies under the new contract are expected to begin in 2027 and continue through 2032. The company has indicated that it does not anticipate major delays under this arrangement, though near-term production will continue to depend largely on the steady arrival of engines under existing commitments.
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