In a significant development for the Indian Air Force (IAF), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to deliver the first production Tejas Mk-1A jet by the end of October 2024. This much-awaited delivery comes after months of delays, with the aircraft initially slated for completion by March 2024.
The Tejas Mk-1A, India’s indigenously designed light combat aircraft, only took its maiden flight in March 2024, marking a critical milestone. However, supply chain issues, particularly with the delivery of its engine, caused the schedule to slip further. The engine in question, the GE F404, supplied by the American company General Electric (GE), has yet to be delivered. GE has attributed the delay to ongoing global supply chain disruptions.
The delay in engine procurement has been a subject of high-level discussions between India and the United States. During Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to the U.S. in August 2024, the matter was brought to the forefront, with both countries recognising the urgency of ensuring the timely delivery of the engines. As per the latest reports, the engines are now expected to arrive in November 2024, which will likely pave the way for resuming the scheduled deliveries of the Tejas jets.
In the absence of the GE F404 engines, HAL has resorted to using Category-B GE F404-IN20 engines. These engines, acquired through an earlier contract, have been sourced from the inventory of the IAF and HAL, serving as spare and reserve units. Category-B engines were originally used during the developmental phase of the Tejas program and are now helping to maintain the production momentum despite the delays in engine procurement.
In addition to the engine issue, HAL has been working on optimising the aircraft’s radar system. The Tejas Mk-1A jets will be equipped with the Israeli active electronically scanned array (AESA) EL/M-2052 radar, which is set to be installed on 50 per cent of the 83 contracted jets. HAL has already completed a software optimisation program for the radar, and the final trials are currently in progress. The remaining jets in the production line will be fitted with India’s indigenous Uttam AESA radar, further boosting the country’s self-reliance in defence technology.
With the engine delays finally nearing a resolution and progress in radar integration, the delivery of the Tejas Mk-1A marks an important step for the IAF, which has long awaited the induction of these advanced fighter jets. Once fully operational, the Tejas Mk-1A is expected to enhance India’s air combat capabilities significantly.
