BENGALURU : Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Wednesday said that five Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft are ready for delivery to the Indian Air Force (IAF) after completing all required tests.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director D.K. Sunil said the aircraft have cleared firing and missile trials, which were the final steps before acceptance. He said HAL will approach the IAF to take delivery of the five aircraft within the current financial year.
Readiness for Delivery
Speaking in Bengaluru, Mr. Sunil said the completion of weapon trials allows HAL to offer the aircraft to the IAF before the end of the financial year on March 31, 2026. These aircraft are part of the first batch of the Tejas Mk1A, an upgraded version of the earlier Mk1 fighter.
The Mk1A includes improved avionics, radar, and electronic warfare systems. Delivery schedules were delayed earlier due to engine supply issues and certification work.
Engine Supply Delays
The Tejas Mk1A program was delayed mainly because of problems in the supply of GE F404-IN20 engines from GE Aerospace in the United States. Several aircraft were completed by HAL but could not be delivered due to the lack of engines.
HAL officials said the engine supply situation has improved. This has allowed the company to complete integration and final testing. HAL has now started clearing aircraft that were waiting for engines.
Weapon Trials Completed
HAL said the five aircraft have completed firing and missile integration trials. These trials included tests of the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile and the ASRAAM short-range air-to-air missile.
The completion of these trials confirms that the aircraft meet the IAF’s operational requirements and are ready for service after formal acceptance.
Importance for the IAF
The delivery comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is facing a shortage of fighter aircraft due to the retirement of older jets. The Tejas Mk1A is expected to help fill this gap and strengthen the IAF’s combat fleet.
The IAF signed a contract with HAL in February 2021 for 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, worth about ₹48,000 crore. The government has also approved an additional order for 97 aircraft.
Production Plans
HAL plans to increase Tejas production to 24 aircraft per year. Production will take place at facilities in Bengaluru and Nashik. The increase is intended to meet revised delivery timelines and reduce existing delays.
With five aircraft ready for delivery, HAL and the IAF are expected to begin a phased induction process in the coming months, subject to acceptance procedures and continued engine supply.
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