SOURCE: AFI
2024 has been a year marked by significant hurdles for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as it grapples with the production of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. Despite high expectations and the strategic importance of this project for both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and India’s indigenous defence manufacturing, HAL has faced criticism due to delays and inefficiencies.
The Tejas Mk1A, an advanced variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, was expected to bolster the IAF’s combat capabilities with its enhanced avionics, radar systems, and increased weapon-carrying capacity. However, HAL’s production has been plagued by several issues.
The core problem has been the delay in the delivery of GE F-404 engines. Initially slated for delivery to match the production timeline, supply chain disruptions, particularly from a South Korean supplier facing financial issues, have pushed back engine deliveries. As a result, HAL has resorted to using Category B engines, which are essentially used or reserve units, to keep production moving.
The first delivery of the Tejas Mk1A was postponed multiple times, from an initial target of March 2024 to later dates in July, November, and now possibly into 2025. This has not only delayed the operational readiness of the aircraft but has also raised concerns about HAL’s ability to meet future production schedules.
Beyond the engine issue, HAL has encountered broader supply chain problems affecting the timely procurement of components, leading to a reduced production rate. The company’s ambition to increase output to 16 aircraft per year has been hampered by these inefficiencies.
Several new systems integrated into the Tejas Mk1A require certification, which is yet to be completed. These delays are critical as they prevent the aircraft from being fully combat-ready upon delivery.
The slow rollout of the Tejas Mk1A has direct implications for the IAF’s combat strength. With the phase-out of older MiG aircraft and the need to maintain sufficient squadron numbers, these delays could affect strategic readiness, particularly in a region where air superiority is a key determinant of military balance.
HAL has implemented contingency plans like using interim engines to maintain some level of production, although this does not fully mitigate the impact of the delays. fforts are underway to expand production capabilities with new lines in Nashik, although the effectiveness of this move is yet to be seen given the ongoing challenges.
HAL’s experience with the Tejas Mk1A in 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in scaling up indigenous defence production. While the ambition to produce state-of-the-art aircraft domestically is commendable, the execution has exposed the need for more robust supply chain management, enhanced production planning, and possibly, greater international collaboration in technology and manufacturing processes.