New Delhi, Oct 16 — Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to achieve a key milestone with the maiden flight of the Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet from its Nashik facility on October 17. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the event, which will also mark the inauguration of HAL’s third Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) production line in Nashik, Maharashtra.
However, despite the much-anticipated flight, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will not be receiving delivery of the Tejas Mk-1A yet, officials confirmed.
Originally slated for induction last year, the Tejas Mk-1A program has faced persistent delays due primarily to disruptions in the supply of GE F404 engines from the United States. These engine delays have slowed production timelines and, consequently, the delivery schedule to the IAF.
Earlier this month, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh expressed the IAF’s impatience, saying, “We are eagerly waiting for the LCA Mk-1A — it’s like we are waiting with hungry mouths for food.”
The Tejas Mk-1A is an advanced version of the indigenous LCA Tejas and is set to replace the recently retired MiG-21 fleet, which was phased out on September 26 after six decades of service. The upgraded aircraft boasts superior avionics, a state-of-the-art radar system, advanced electronic warfare capabilities, and improved weapons integration, with a top speed exceeding 2,200 km/h.
Last month, the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹62,370 crore contract with HAL for 97 Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets — 68 single-seaters and 29 twin-seater trainers — to bolster the IAF’s combat strength. HAL has reportedly received four GE-404 engines so far, with eight more expected by the end of the fiscal year to power the initial batch of aircraft.
Despite the delays, HAL officials assured that production is steadily gaining momentum.
