SOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is pushing forward with the production of the Tejas Mk1A despite delays in the supply of F-404 engines from General Electric (GE). Currently, HAL has completed 14 airframes for the Mk1A, prepared for final assembly as soon as the engine supply resumes. By maintaining the production pace of airframes, HAL aims to avoid delays in delivering these jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) as per the contractual schedule.
In a bid to meet its commitment to deliver 83 Tejas Mk1A fighters by 2028-29, HAL has ramped up production efforts. This proactive stance allows the company to have a significant backlog of completed airframes, which can be fitted with engines and avionics systems rapidly once the supply chain issues resolve. HAL also plans to use older engines to test these airframes, ensuring operational readiness and quality standards without holding back production.
Looking ahead, HAL is preparing to achieve an annual production rate of up to 16 Tejas Mk1A airframes starting in the 2025-26 period. This would significantly bolster the company’s capacity, allowing it to maintain an uninterrupted supply to the IAF. The existing production line is undergoing adjustments to handle this increase, with HAL investing in automation and other facilities to meet the accelerated timeline.
The Tejas Mk1A order, placed by the IAF in 2021, is India’s largest indigenous defense contract, and HAL is under considerable pressure to meet the deadlines. The aircraft represents a vital upgrade over previous variants, with improved avionics, radar capabilities, electronic warfare systems, and reduced maintenance costs. By keeping up production, HAL is not only aiming to adhere to the timeline but also to reinforce India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) mission, which seeks to minimize dependence on foreign suppliers.
The current delay in the supply of GE’s F-404 engines is attributed to global supply chain disruptions, impacting aerospace manufacturers worldwide. HAL, however, remains optimistic, as GE has provided assurances that engine deliveries will resume soon. The Indian government has also been closely monitoring the situation, as timely completion of the Tejas Mk1A order is critical to maintaining IAF’s squadron strength.