BENGALURU — Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K has said that delays in the delivery of Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft are mainly linked to a few remaining AESA radar issues, software changes and certification testing, rather than incomplete weapon integration.
Ravi K said the programme is around 90-95% complete, with HAL having prepared about 27 Tejas Mk1A airframes. The AESA radar is also assessed at around 90-95% readiness, but further flight testing is required. Some accounts indicate that around 20-30 additional sorties may be needed as part of the process of identifying issues, applying software fixes and conducting repeat tests.
Weapon Integration Largely Complete
HAL has clarified that weapon integration is largely complete, including major firing trials. However, additional tests are required after missiles are fitted to verify how the aircraft and its structure behave during the relevant flight profiles. These tests are part of the standard certification process, with much of the remaining work involving software changes and validation.
HAL is continuing to prioritise meeting the IAF's specified requirements before handing over the aircraft.
Engine Supply and Production
HAL has received 10 GE F404-IN20 engines from GE Aerospace. According to Ravi K, these engines are sufficient to support the delivery of 10 Tejas Mk1A aircraft by March 2027. GE has promised 12 additional engines by December 2026.
Engine availability has been a long-standing factor affecting Mk1A production and deliveries under the 2021 contract for 83 aircraft, whose deliveries were originally scheduled to begin in March 2024.
To address supply-chain delays, HAL is sending its personnel directly to GE's Tier-1 and Tier-2 supplier facilities to identify bottlenecks. HAL has also offered its own casting facilities to help suppliers accelerate component production.
180 Aircraft on Order
The IAF has ordered 180 Tejas Mk1A aircraft through two contracts—83 aircraft in 2021 and another 97 aircraft in September 2025.
Ravi K said HAL is working to resolve the remaining issues and is hopeful of beginning deliveries within the current financial year or by the end of the year, although he has not committed to a firm first-delivery date because of the remaining software and certification work.
The Tejas Mk1A features upgraded avionics, an AESA radar, electronic warfare systems and expanded weapon options, including Astra and ASRAAM, compared with the earlier Tejas Mk1. Meanwhile, HAL has said that structural coupling work for the Tejas Mk2 is progressing, with ground testing planned to begin by February.
Source : TOI
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